Pat Pickens
The New York Islanders’ 2025-26 season may be over, but all anyone wanted to talk about at breakup day was Matthew Schaefer.
The 18-year-old defenseman’s historic rookie season is still commanding that type of attention and excitement among his teammates, who can’t wait to see his growth in the years ahead.
Schaefer is still five months removed from his 19th birthday, but he tied Brian Leetch’s nearly four-decade rookie record for goals by a rookie defenseman (23). The first pick in the 2025 NHL Draft played all 82 games, was second on the Isles in points (59) and led the team in average time on ice (24:41). He was fourth in the NHL in TOI this season.
Matthew Schaefer had ‘An Amazing Year’ with the Islanders
It’s hard to go from picking first overall to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But the Islanders nearly did it.
After winning the NHL Draft Lottery and landing arguably the most impactful top-picked defenseman ever, the Islanders were in a playoff position for much of the season, largely thanks to Schaefer’s historic performance.
Though the Isles faltered down the stretch, Schaefer marveled at his experience after completing his first NHL season.
“It was an amazing year,” Schaefer said. “Obviously, we wish we could have gone to the playoffs, but for me, overall, I’ve learned so much and everyone’s helped me so much. I really enjoyed my first year on the island.”
Schaefer rightly pointed out that he started his year not knowing if he’d be with the Islanders or back in junior with Erie of the Ontario Hockey League. He was considered for Canada at the Milan/Cortina Olympics, but was ultimately passed over. He endured a coaching change, from Patrick Roy to Peter DeBoer, who took over with just four games left in the regular season.
Through it all, Schaefer was spectacular on the ice; he was unquestionably the Islanders’ best skater all season. At 18 years and 36 days, he became the fourth-youngest player since 2000 to score his first NHL goal, then tied Leetch’s record — set in 1988-89, nearly 20 years before Schaefer was born — in the Islanders’ final win of the season on April 9.
Even after all that, he is still mentally and physically capable of playing, even now.
“Obviously, there’s gonna be bumps and bruises,” Schaefer said, “but I still feel like I can play another 82 [games].”
GM says Islanders ‘lucky to have’ Matthew Schaefer
Islanders general manger Mathieu Darche confirmed Schaefer was ineligible to join Bridgeport of the AHL due to age restrictions. Schaefer called playing at the IIHF World Championship in Zurich and Froiburg, Switzerland, “a possibility,” and Darche indicated it’ll be his choice whether to represent his home country later this month in Europe.
Still, Schaefer is excited to have a little bit of downtime after a whirlwind year while focusing on getting stronger.
“I don’t think this summer will be as busy as last summer,” Schaefer said. “I was all over the place last summer; I couldn’t stay home for a week last summer. It’ll be a good summer.”
Darche himself hoped Schaefer could live the life of a normal teenager this offseason in Ontario.
“It’s almost like he’s going to ride his bike with his buddies and go buy gum at the convenience store,” Darche said.
But his teammates can’t wait to see Schaefer back on the ice after his breakout rookie season. The Islanders’ veteran-laden roster — they had the seventh-oldest team in the NHL, even with the fresh-faced Schaefer playing every game — got a jolt of youth this season.
“He’s an unbelievable kid,” said center Casey Cizikas, who at 35 years and 978 games is the longest-tenured Islander. “He’s got a great head on his shoulders, and what he did this year was unbelievable. It was a lot of fun to watch.
“It was a lot of fun to be a part of, and to see the confidence that he has in himself and in his game was remarkable, and the person he is off the ice, there’s no one better. He comes to the rink every day with a smile on his face, and he’s a lot of fun to be around. I’m glad that he’s here.”
Cizikas isn’t the only one who appreciates what the Isles have in Schaefer.
“Honestly, it’s pretty rare to see a young guy be pretty much like this the whole year,” Darche said. “He’s been great. We’re lucky to have him.”
