Hockey Prospect Maxim Schäfer, aged 17 as Ice Bear, selected by NHL team in the draft
Maxim Schäfer, an 18-year-old German ice hockey sensation, has made history by becoming the first German player ever to be selected in the NHL draft. The Washington Capitals chose Schäfer with the 96th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, marking another success story from the Berlin Polar Bears' renowned youth development programme.
Last season, Schäfer scored one goal and had two assists in 31 regular-season games with the Berlin Polar Bears, showcasing his potential on the ice. He also represented Germany at the World Junior Championships, scoring two goals in five games.
Despite being drafted by the Washington Capitals, Schäfer's immediate future with the Berlin Polar Bears is uncertain. The available information does not explicitly detail his contract status with the German club, and it is assumed that he will play for the Polar Bears in the upcoming season. The Capitals' contract listings show that Schäfer is under consideration, but no record of an NHL contract signing has been confirmed yet.
This suggests that, as is common with many European prospects, Schäfer may still be under contract with the Berlin Polar Bears or developing his skills in Germany before potentially moving to the NHL or the American Hockey League (AHL). The NHL is a famous ice hockey league in North America, and the Capitals are one of its prominent teams.
The Berlin Polar Bears are known for their successful youth development, with young players often progressing to the DEL championship team from their ranks. If Schäfer does join the Capitals, he will follow in the footsteps of other talented German players who have made the leap to the NHL.
The NHL draft refers to the process where NHL clubs secure the rights to a player. In this case, the Capitals selected Schäfer as a power forward, indicating their belief in his physical prowess and scoring potential. The draft took place in Los Angeles, with Schäfer's selection representing a significant milestone for both him and German ice hockey.
In summary, Maxim Schäfer was drafted by the Washington Capitals in the 2025 NHL Draft (96th overall), but his current contract status with the Berlin Polar Bears is unclear. Schäfer is part of the Capitals' prospect pool and development camp, but no NHL contract signing is confirmed yet. It is likely that Schäfer remains in Germany or under contract there while developing before joining the Capitals roster. For the most current and detailed contract status, direct confirmation from the Berlin Polar Bears or Washington Capitals' official communications may be required.
Schäfer's ongoing contract with the Berlin Polar Bears might affect his immediate future in the National Hockey League (NHL), where he was drafted by the Washington Capitals as a power forward. Regardless, Schäfer's performances with both the Berlin Polar Bears and the German national team, including the World Junior Championships, highlight his potential in sports like hockey within the prestigious NHL.
