Matthew Schaefer might not get another chance to showcase his skills for NHL scouts before the 2025 draft.
The Erie Otters star defenceman suffered a broken collarbone playing for Canada at the world junior championship and is expected to miss at least three months, Mike Morreale of NHL.com reported Thursday.
Schaefer was hurt while driving the net against Latvia in Canada’s second game of the tournament in Ottawa on Friday. He underwent surgery three days later, Morreale reports.
Schaefer is projected to be in a four-man battle to be top pick in this year’s NHL Draft, along with Brampton Steelheads forward Porter Martone, Boston College forward James Hagens and Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa.
Hagens is playing for Team USA at the world juniors, Martone is with Canada, while the Canadian-born Misa was not selected for the tournament.
The OHL season ends March 23, meaning Schaefer’s Otters would have to make a playoff run for him to have a chance to return this season.
Schaefer missed the first nine games of the season while recovering from mononucleosis.
