2025 NHL Draft: Capitals Select Maxim Schäfer

With the 96th pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the Washington Capitals have selected Maxim Schäfer from Eisbären Berlin of the DEL in Germany.

Schäfer is an aggressive forechecking winger. He does his best work from the net front, having a knack for timing his way to rebounds and dropping away from coverage to get open shots. 

 -EliteProspects 2025 NHL Draft Guide

Here’s where Schäfer landed on assorted rankings:

• Ranked #172 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
• Ranked #56 by FLOHOCKEY/CHRIS PETERS
• Ranked #87 by DAILY FACEOFF
• Ranked #102 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (EU Skaters)
• Ranked #94 by DRAFT PROSPECTS HOCKEY
• Ranked #183 by RECRUIT SCOUTING

Check out Schäfer’s work this season:

Elias Schneider sent Maxim Schafer down the ice and he scores a nice one to win the game 4-3 for Germany.

First upset of the tournament. #U18MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/4EBHEpAmgN

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) April 24, 2025

Here’s more on the newest Caps prospect:

• 2025 NHL Draft: Five players who’ve boosted their stocks at U-18 World Championship | Daily Faceoff
• One Underrated 2025 NHL Draft Prospect By Region | Dobber Prospects