Maxim Schäfer was back home with his family and friends in Berlin, tuned into the 2025 NHL Draft on TV, when he heard his name called in the third round. Then, his phone rang as he was welcomed to the Washington Capitals organization.
"It was a really special moment for me," Schäfer said.
The 18-year-old spent the majority of season playing against grown men in the DEL, the highest division of hockey in Germany, as he appeared in 31 games for the Eisbären Berlin after putting up 35 points in 15 games with the U20 junior team.
The 6-foot-4 winger is an aggressive forechecker who has a knack for the net front and knows how to get open. At Capitals development camp, he was among the standouts, fitting in well with the top names around him.
"I'm really proud and happy to be here," Schäfer said.
There have been a handful of German players who have made it to the NHL, with Leon Draisaitl leading the way for active skaters. Schäfer has the potential to also be a standout, and perhaps one of the steals in the third round.
Schäfer flew a bit under the radar due to playing in the DEL, and perhaps could have gone higher had he played elsewhere this past season. He was taken in the CHL import draft this summer, though, and is pondering heading to North America to play with the QMJHL's Chicoutimi Saguenéens this coming season.
When it comes down to it, Schäfer is looking forward to continuing to build on his skillset and proving to D.C. that he can be a strong NHL talent down the line.
"(I want to keep working on my) skating, my skill, all the stuff, also in the gym," Schäfer said.
