Head vs. Heart

Who to select No. 1 isn't suppose to be complicated

Good Morning, Islanders Country.

The Isles’ most fortunate predicament has created the perfect storm of sports emotion and strategic decision-making: a passionate fanbase, a long-anticipated opportunity, and a draft class without a consensus top pick.

By stunningly winning the 2025 Draft Lottery, the Islanders have been thrown into a rare spotlight, and now they face a choice that could define their franchise for a generation. As fans wait for ownership to name a new GM, they’re debating (and posting impassioned pleas) amongst themselves, with the usual combination of rational and irrational takes on who is the right pick for THIS franchise, and THIS fanbase, not necessarily who is the best player. That’s a dilemma, debate, or discussion that wouldn’t exist for any team, at almost any time in NHL history.

Nathan "Grav" Murdock provided the most comprehensive and fair assessment of what the Islanders should do and why they should do that I’ve seen to date. He explains why James Hagens has been ‘disrespected’ during the second half of the draft process and the reasons behind some of his ‘struggles’ at Boston College. He also explains why Mathew Schaefer or Michael Misa would be his preference, but doesn’t rule out Hagens, a worthy Top-3 pick, as the selection.

The Debate: Head vs. Heart

James Hagens – The Heart Pick

• Local roots: Born in Hauppauge, raised in Long Island hockey culture, and grew up an Isles fan.

• Sentimental pull: His family’s emotional investment and his lifelong allegiance to the Islanders are hard to ignore.

• Solid performance: Though his numbers at Boston College (11 G, 26 A in 37 GP) weren’t earth-shattering, his elite hockey IQ and playmaking still put him in top-tier discussions.

Mathew Schaefer – The Head Pick (Current Consensus #1)

• Position: Defenseman – something the Isles have struggled to develop internally at an elite level.

• Elite upside: Despite a shortened season due to injury, he put up 22 points in 17 games and projects as a franchise D-man.

• Modern NHL blueprint: Building around a cornerstone defenseman like Cale Makar or Rasmus Dahlin has proven to be a championship formula.

Michael Misa – The Flash Pick

• Explosive offense: 134 points in the OHL is an eye-popping stat line. His 62-goal season is reminiscent of junior legends.

• Game-changer: Misa’s ceiling is sky-high, and he may be the most dynamic scorer available.