Team Canada's potential 2025 1st overall pick Matthew Schaefer leaves the WJC after horrific collision

This evening early in the World Junior contest between Canada and Latvia top Canadian defenseman Matthew Schaefer has been forced to the locker room with an upper-body injury.

The injury occurred as Schaefer came barreling down the ice at full speed and collided with the post in a violent collision.

As Schaefer got to his feet he was seen favoring his left shoulder as he headed toward the locker room and seemed to be in severe pain.

After heading to the locker room Schaefer has not returned to this point as the second period is about to get underway.

This is a huge injury of course for Team Canada who are expected to be one of the favorites to win the entire tournament and now will be without Schaefer for the rest of the night as he has been ruled out according to Bob McKenzie.

Over the coming days, all eyes will now be on the city of Ottawa and Team Canada as we await an update on Schaefer's status for the rest of the tournament and his crucial draft season ahead.

Before the injury, Schaefer was on fire with the Erie Otters of the OHL posting 22 points in 17 games.

Due to his strong start to the season, Schaefer has passed over American James Hagens on some public scouting lists as the top prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft.

With Schafer suffering this injury hopefully, it is not as bad as it looks and he can return soon to battle out the season against Hagens to see who will be drafted first overall once June rolls around.

As more information is provided by Canada or other trusted sources on Schaefer's injury status and prognosis going forward we will pass along the latest news to you.