Projected Top Pick Matthew Schaefer Gives Back To Community At Nhl Scouting Combine

Matthew Schaefer is in Buffalo for business this week, but he’s also using his life story to help people in the community.

The projected top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft took some time away from the scouting combine to meet with people at Western New York Compassion Connection.

The facility helps people who are going through similar challenges as Schaefer has experienced.

The Erie Otters defenceman lost his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer in February 2024, just months after his billet mother died.

“I love talking about my mom, and I really want to help people at the end of the day,” Schaefer told WKBW Buffalo. “I think that’s the biggest thing with me, I know my mom would want me to be doing this, and I know she’s smiling at me and is with me.”

Schaefer, a native of Stoney Creek, Ont., went through more adversity this season. Otters owner Jim Waters died unexpectedly in December and then Schaefer suffered a season-ending collarbone injury playing for Canada at the world junior championship.

“We have some children here who lost a parent less than a month ago, and for Matthew to give up his time, what a gift to us at Western New York Compassion Connection,” Compassion Connection executive director Gwen Mysiak said. “But more importantly, for that room of young people who will never forget this moment.”

Schaefer said he plans to return to the facility when he comes through Buffalo in the NHL.

“This is a really amazing thing they have going on here, and I love them for inviting me into their home to come and talk to people.”