Schaefer, Celebrini latest No. 1 draft picks to go head-to-head

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, is set to face San Jose Sharks forward Macklin Celebrini, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, for the first time. This matchup marks Schaefer's fifth game against a different No. 1 draft pick in as many games to start his NHL career, following games against Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins), Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals), and Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers). The game will take place at UBS Arena, with the Sharks at 0-3-2 and the Islanders at 2-3-0.

Schaefer, an 18-year-old rookie, has achieved several milestones, including being the youngest defenseman in NHL history with a season-opening point streak of at least five games (one goal, four assists). Despite playing only 17 games in the Ontario Hockey League last season due to mononucleosis and a broken clavicle, he has shown veteran-like poise and leads the Islanders in average ice time at 22:01. Coach Patrick Roy praised Schaefer's performance, noting that his play has forced the team to give him significant minutes, and former player Jonathan Toews commented on his comfort level as a top draft pick.

Macklin Celebrini, Schaefer's upcoming opponent, leads the Sharks with five points (one goal, four assists) in five games this season. Last season, he was a standout rookie, tying for second in points among rookies with 63 (25 goals, 38 assists) and leading in points per game (0.90), finishing third in Calder Trophy voting for NHL rookie of the year.

The news also highlights other memorable first-time matchups between No. 1 draft picks, such as the long-standing rivalry between Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, which began in 2005. Their first game drew a large crowd and saw Crosby score a goal and an assist in a 5-4 Penguins win, while Ovechkin had an assist. Both players had impressive rookie seasons, with Ovechkin winning the Calder Trophy in 2006 after leading rookies in goals and points, and Crosby finishing second in rookie scoring.