Malcolm Spence and Matthew Schaefer were not only teammates but also roommates while playing for Erie in the Ontario Hockey League. But now, they’re headed in different directions — and into a fierce rivalry — after being selected by opposing teams in the 2025 NHL Draft in Los Angeles.
The New York Islanders used the No. 1 overall pick on Friday night to draft Schaefer, a defenseman. The following day, the New York Rangers selected Spence with their first pick of the draft, 43rd overall in the second round, as they didn’t have a first-round selection.
Shortly after being picked, Schaefer took a light-hearted jab at the Rangers — unaware at the time that his close friend and former roommate would soon join them.
“I’ve heard all about the rivalry,” Schaefer said on the NHL Draft Class podcast. “I hate losing, so I can’t wait to beat them every time we play.”
Spence and Schaefer shared the ice for two seasons with Erie, but now they’re set to become opponents.
“He’s one of my best friends, and of course you want to see your friends do well,” Spence said. “But yeah, it’s a little strange now with the whole Rangers-Islanders thing.”
Their dynamic is reminiscent of another friendly rivalry: goaltenders Igor Shesterkin (Rangers) and Ilya Sorokin (Islanders), who are close friends despite being on opposite sides of the New York rivalry. Unlike those two, Spence and Schaefer will likely meet head-on during games.
At first, Spence didn’t even make the rivalry connection — not until a reporter brought up Schaefer’s name.
“As soon as you said it, it clicked,” Spence said. “It’s definitely going to be competitive between us, but that’s a good thing. I’m really excited about both of our careers.”
They won’t face off right away. Schaefer is expected to join the Islanders this fall, while Spence will play college hockey at the University of Michigan, aiming to prove his doubters wrong after falling into the second round. Although ranked 17th by NHL Central Scouting among North American skaters, 17 players ranked lower than him were picked before he was.
“I had some expectations going in,” Spence admitted. “I slid a bit, but that just gives me more motivation. I’m proud to be the Rangers’ first pick. That tells me they believe in me. To be part of that franchise and play in that city — it’s something special.”
Spence will see a familiar face at the Rangers’ upcoming development camp: forward Carey Terrance, another former Erie teammate. Terrance joined the Rangers via a trade with Anaheim earlier in June. The two played on the same line for the past two seasons — Spence recorded 73 points (32 goals, 41 assists) in 65 games, while Terrance tallied 39 points in 45 games.
“When I put on the jersey, one of my first thoughts was, maybe I’ll get to play with Carey again. That’d be awesome,” Spence said. “I’ll definitely give him a call after this.”
Spence has already had a taste of New York life. His sister Camille, a dancer and actress, recently graduated from Pace University in Manhattan — not far from Madison Square Garden.
“We were in the city for her graduation, did some sightseeing,” he said. “It’s an amazing place. I’m pumped to get there. Playing in a city like that — under the bright lights — that’s what I live for.”
While Schaefer will begin his pro journey on Long Island, the two will likely keep up their banter.
“We’ll definitely trade some chirps,” Spence said with a laugh.
Their friendship is still intact — but the rivalry is officially on.