MATTHEW SCHAEFER Scouting Report | Prospect Spotlight

MATTHEW SCHAEFER Scouting Report | Prospect Spotlight

Author: Locked On Podcast Network, Sebastian High, Hadi Kalakeche January 21, 2025 Duration: 30:31

In this episode, we continue our Prospect Spotlight series, in which we take a full episode deep dive on a single draft-eligible prospect, today's focus: Matthew Schaefer, a do-it-all two-way defenceman with significant #1 upside and potentially the top prospect in the 2025 NHL Draft! First, we introduce the player with his profile, statistical production, and his trifecta of puck skills: shooting, passing, and handling. Next, we shift our attention to his habits, tools, and toolkit. Last, we debate Schaefer's projection at the NHL level from both stylistic and statistical perspectives, before capping off the episode by looking at which NHL teams would be the best fit for him.

 

 

Elite Prospects' tool projection scale goes from 1 to 9:

1 - Below AHL Caliber Tool

2 - AHL Caliber Tool

3 - Replacement-Level Tool

4 - Average 4th line/#6 Defenceman Tool

5 - Average 3rd line/#4 Defenseman Tool

6 - Standard Top-6/Top-4 Tool

7 - Standard Top Line/Pairing Tool (Nick Suzuki's hockey sense)

8 - Game-Breaking Tool (Quinn Hughes' passing)

9 - Top-of-the-Line Elite-Level Tool (Bedard's shot or McDavid's skating)

(note: we try to balance upside and likelihood of reaching it in our evaluations)

 

 

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

 

🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONHLProspects?sid=YouTube

 

Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More

 

🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL

 

📲 Follow Locked On NHL Prospects on Twitter

 

 

Locked On NHL Prospects https://twitter.com/LO_NHLProspects

 

Hadi Kalakeche https://twitter.com/HadiK_Scouting

 

Sebastian High https://twitter.com/high_sebastian

 

 

📺 Follow Locked On NHL: https://twitter.com/LockedOnNHLPods

 

 

📢 Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! | Offers from our sponsors: lockedonpodcasts.com/offers

 

 

#NHL #Hockey #NHLDraft #nhlprospects

 

 

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

 

Indeed:

Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to Indeed.com/LOCKEDON right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply.

 

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

 

FanDuel

You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place a FIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win or lose your first FIVE DOLLAR BET ! Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

 

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


For anyone fascinated by the future of hockey, Locked On NHL Prospects offers a daily deep dive into the players shaping tomorrow's league. Hosts Sebastian High and Hadi Kalakeche, a seasoned prospect analyst and scout, move far beyond basic stat lines and draft rankings. Their conversations unpack the nuanced development of both draft-eligible talents and those already within NHL systems, providing context you won't find on a highlight reel. This isn't just about who might get picked; it's about understanding a player's potential fit, their growth trajectory, and the underlying stories from major junior, college, and professional leagues around the world. The analysis in this podcast is built to inform, whether you're a dedicated fantasy hockey player, a passionate team fan curious about the pipeline, or simply love tracking a player's journey to the sport's highest level. Each episode serves as an essential resource, breaking down the latest news, performances, and strategic shifts that impact the prospect landscape. Tune in for a thoughtful, informed dialogue that treats the world of young hockey talent with the depth and seriousness it deserves.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 509

Locked On NHL Prospects
Podcast Episodes
WHICH DRAFTED PLAYERS DOMINATED THE WORLD JUNIORS? | Tournament Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:57
In this episode, we break down and grade standout performances from all 10 teams at the 2025 World Juniors, focusing on the drafted players this time around. First, we highlight prospects from the USA, including the Ryan…
WHY TEAM USA WON THE 2025 WORLD JUNIORS | Tournament Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:06
In this episode, we break down the medal games of the World Junior Championships as well as the Team of the Tournament. First, we delve into USA's overtime gold medal victory over Finland, highlighting the standout perfo…
WHAT WENT WRONG FOR TEAM CANADA? | Scout's Analysis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:39
In this episode, we break down the stunningly disappointing display of Team Canada at the 2025 World Juniors, finishing 3rd in their group before being bounced in the quarterfinals by a gritty Team Czechia. First, we del…
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED ABOUT THE TOP TEAMS? | 2025 World Juniors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:42
In this episode, we break down three group stage games that provided real insight into the strengths and weaknesses of USA, Sweden, and Canada -- who were eliminated by Czechia in the quarterfinals after this recording.…
HEINEMAN AND DOBEŠ IMPRESS FOR HABS | Prospect Updates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:10
In this episode, we break down some standout performances among rookies and prospects for the Montreal Canadiens. First, we focus on the team's new backup netminder, Jakub Dobeš, who shutout the Florida Panthers in his N…
TEAM OF THE TOURNAMENT PREDICTIONS | 2025 World Juniors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:58
In this episode, we break down the favourites for team of the tournament and present our top 5 contenders in each position. First, we break down the forwards, highlighted by USA's big trio of Ryan Leonard, James Hagens,…
LATVIA STUN CANADA | WHAT WENT WRONG? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:37
In this episode, we break down the stunning shootout victory Team Latvia earned over Canada before digging into Sweden's convincing defeat of Slovakia. First, we look at the Canada vs. Latvia game itself, featuring excel…
TEAM USA LINEUP PREDICTIONS | 2025 World Juniors [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:09
In this episode, we break down the roster for Team USA and brainstorm potential line combinations they may pursue. First, we take a look at the forwards, discuss some gamebreaking talents and put together four complement…