Matthew Schaefer highlights NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings

Credit: (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)

NHL Central Scouting released its mid-term rankings Tuesday with Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer headlining all North American skaters.

Through 17 appearances with the OHL’s Erie Otters this season, Schaefer has registered seven goals and 15 assists for 22 points to rank seventh in team scoring and first among defenseman. Originally chosen atop the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Schaefer debuted with the Otters in 2023-24, finishing with 17 points in 56 outings.

The 17-year-old native of Stoney Creek, Ont., most recently joined Team Canada at the 2025 World Juniors, however his tournament participation was cut short after suffering a shoulder injury in round robin action. Limited to two appearances on the international stage, Schaefer wrapped up the tournament with one goal and one assist. Due to the injury, Schaefer will also not participate in the inaugural Connor McDavid OHL Top Prospects Game to be held Wednesday in Brantford, Ont.

“The top end of the 2025 NHL Draft class has three or four strong candidates to consider for the first-pick overall and at this point in the season Schaefer holds the lead,” Vice-President of NHL Central Scouting Dan Marr said in a statement. “There was no clear No. 1 consensus with our group and many NHL clubs are in the same position. This is a deep draft class and the overall order is bound to shift by the time the final rankings are released in April, which should guarantee an exciting finish to the season.

“Schaefer is the best available prospect at his position and the results he achieves on the ice with his combination of speed, skill, and size gives him the edge for the No. 1 spot.”

Headlining international skaters is Victor Eklund, currently competing with Djurgardens IF of Sweden’s second-tier professional league. Through 24 games with Djurgardens IF this season, the younger brother of San Jose Sharks left winger William Eklund has registered eight goals and seven assists for 15 points to sit seventh in team scoring. Most recently, the up-and-coming right winger represented his native Sweden at the 2025 World Juniors where he finished fifth in team scoring with six points counting two goals and four assists through seven showings.

Stay tuned Friday as Daily Faceoff prospect analyst Steven Ellis will release an updated top-64 rankings ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft.