The New York Islanders' 2025-26 season may be over, but everyone who had to be talked about on breakup day was Matthew Schaefer.
The 18-year-old defenseman's historic rookie season is still generating the kind of attention and excitement among his teammates, who can't wait to see his development in the years to come.
Schaefer is still five months shy of his 19th birthday, but he has tied Brian Leach's nearly four-decade-old rookie record for goals by a rookie defenseman (23). The first pick in the 2025 NHL Draft played all 82 games, finishing second on the Isles in points (59) and leading 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
Going from the first overall pick to the Stanley Cup playoffs is tough. But the islanders did almost the same.
After winning the NHL Draft Lottery and landing arguably the most impressive top-selected defenseman of all time, the Islanders were in playoff position for most of the season, largely due to Schaefer's historic performances.
Although the Isles' team faltered, Schaefer expressed surprise 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 a lot and everyone has helped me a lot. I really enjoyed my first year on the island."
Schaefer rightly said he began his year not knowing whether he would stay with the Islanders or return to junior with the Erie of the Ontario Hockey League. He was considered for Canada at the Milan/Cortina Olympics, but was ultimately passed over. They faced a coaching change from Patrick Roy to Peter DeBoer, who took over with only four games remaining in the regular season.
Throughout it all, Schaefer was brilliant on the ice; He was unquestionably the Islanders' best skater throughout the season. At the age of 18 years and 36 days, he became the fourth-youngest player to score his first NHL goal since 2000, and then on April 9 equaled Leach's record in the Islanders' final win of the season – set in 1988–89, nearly 20 years before Schaefer was born.
Despite everything he's been through, he's still able to play mentally and physically.
"Obviously, there will be bumps and bruises," Schaefer said, "but I still feel like I can play another 82." [games]"
GM says Islanders 'fortunate' to have Matthew Schaefer
Islanders general manager Matthew Darche confirmed that Schaefer was ineligible to join Bridgeport of the AHL due to age restrictions. Schaefer called playing at the IIHF World Championships in Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland "a possibility" and Darche indicated it would be his choice whether to represent his home country in Europe later this month.
Still, Schaefer is excited to have a little free time after a whirlwind year focusing on getting stronger.
"I don't think this summer will be as busy as last summer," Schaefer said. "I was everywhere last summer; last summer I couldn't stay home for a week. This will be a good summer."
Darche himself expressed hope that Schaefer could live the life of a normal teenager this off-season in Ontario.
"It's almost like he's going to ride bikes with his friends and 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' team full of experienced players – they had the seventh-oldest team in the NHL, even with newcomer Schaefer playing every game – got a jolt of youth this season.
“He's an incredible kid,” said center Casey Cizikas, the Islanders' longest-tenured starter with 35 years and 978 games. “He's got a great head on his shoulders, and what he did this year was incredible. It was so fun to watch.
"It was so fun to be a part of, and to see his confidence in himself and his game was amazing, and there's no one better than the person he is off the ice. 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 he's here."
Cizikas isn't the only one who appreciates what the islands have in Schaefer.
“To be honest, it's pretty rare to see a young guy go through a year like this,” Darche said. "He's been great. We're lucky to have him."
