Top NHL Draft Prospects Rave About Islanders Star Matthew Schaefer
At the 2026 NHL Draft Combine, several top prospects shared their thoughts on New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, praising his talent, character, and remarkable rise to stardom.
BUFFALO, NY — A year ago, the New York Islanders selected defenseman Matthew Schaefer with the No. 1 overall pick.
Fast forward to today, and Schaefer has already established himself as one of the NHL’s brightest young stars, becoming the unanimous Calder Trophy winner after a remarkable rookie season.
How Matt Martin Helped Shape The Islanders' Presence At The NHL Draft Combine
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BUFFALO, NY — The stars of the show in Buffalo this past week were the prospects taking part in the 2026 NHL Draft Combine.
At the 2026 NHL Draft Combine, several top draft prospects spoke with admiration about Schaefer’s rapid rise, his impact on young players across hockey, and the person he remains behind the scenes despite his growing stardom: