Islanders Rookie Matthew Schaefer Reflects On NHL Growth Amid Playoff Push
New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer discusses his NHL growth, playoff push, and debut experience as the standings tighten against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
ELMONT, NY — On Oct. 9, New York Islanders No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer made his NHL debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Since then, all the 18-year-old has done is impress. He’s quickly etched his name into the record books, becoming the youngest defenseman in NHL history to accomplish, well, everything imaginable.
Now, nearly six months later, Schaefer finds himself in a very different situation—playing meaningful hockey down the stretch as the Islanders battle for playoff positioning. Monday night’s matchup against the Penguins carries major weight in the standings.
The Islanders enter the day just one point ahead of Pittsburgh for second place in the Metropolitan Division, having played one more game.
Following the morning skate, I caught up with Schaefer to discuss the playoff push, what he remembers from his NHL debut, how much his game has grown since then, and more.