The entire hockey world expected Matthew Schaefer to become the Calder Trophy winner for 2026 NHL Rookie of the Year.

But how Schaefer learned of his honor came as a surprise.

The New York Islanders rookie defenseman was named the unanimous winner of the 2026 Calder Trophy and was walked out of the honor when his brother and father surprised him on the set of “GMA3” on Wednesday.

On September 5, despite only turning 18, Schaefer tied the NHL record for single-season goals by a rookie defenseman (23). Schafer led the team, finished second on the team in goals and points (59), and was fifth in the NHL in average time on ice per game (24:41).

Schaefer became the fifth Islanders player to win the Calder Trophy and the third Islanders defenseman to earn Rookie of the Year honors, joining Brian Berard (1996) and Denis Potvin (1974). He is the first Islanders player to earn Calder Trophy honors since teammate Mathew Barzal in 2018.

Matthew Schaefer wins Calder Trophy

Not only was Schaefer selected first overall at the age of 17, but he made the team right out of training camp, adding immense pressure to the native of Hamilton, Ontario, just 50 miles southwest of Toronto.

But after a long season, Schaefer earned all 198 first-place votes among members of the Pro Hockey Writers Association. His 1,980 points surpassed Ivan Demidov of the Montreal Canadiens, Bennett Seneca of the Anaheim Ducks and Canadiens goaltender Jacob Dobbs.

“It’s definitely an honor to see so many great names on that trophy,” Schaefer told NHL.com. “It’s definitely a dream come true. Obviously, Demidov and Seneca, they’re great players and they could have won it. I think any of us could have won it, because we all had great years, especially him. They’ve done great things for the league.

“It’s definitely an honor and a privilege to receive this trophy.”

It was ‘amazing’ for Matthew Schaeffer to have his family with him

Schaefer is extremely close to her family, especially after her mother Jennifer died of breast cancer in February 2024 at the age of 56.

So having his father, brother and girlfriend there, as well as Matt Martin and his wife Sydney and their daughters, with whom Schaefer lived during his rookie season, was a huge feeling for Schaefer.

“My two ‘sisters,'” Schaefer said fighting back tears on “GMA3,” referring to Martin’s daughters Sydney and Winnie. “Obviously, this year has been very important to me. I wanted to do it for my mom and my family. It’s definitely an honor.”

His father Todd and brother Johnathan also flew in from outside Toronto to be there for Schaefer.

“It was amazing,” Schaefer said. “I definitely wasn’t expecting it. It was great to have my dad and brother and all of them come down [from Canada]”

Pat Pickens is an award-winning sports writer and author who has covered the NHL since 2013. He reveals more about Pat Pickens.

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.”

Pat Pickens is an award-winning sports writer and author who has covered the NHL since 2013. He reveals more about Pat Pickens.