Islanders Need To Use Matthew Schaefer In A More Efficient Manner

The 18-year-old has quickly become the Islanders’ most important player. But with his workload skyrocketing across all situations, it's time for Patrick Roy to manage his minutes more efficiently.

PHOTO: Sam Johnston/New York Islanders

There’s no question that, on most nights, when Matthew Schaefer’s skates hit the ice, he’s the best player out there. It’s easy to see why head coach Patrick Roy wants him out there as much as possible — he’s earned every second of ice time so far in his young NHL career.

But after back-to-back losses, it’s time to re-evaluate just how much he’s playing and the roles he’s being asked to fill on a nightly basis.