Matthew Schaefer Eager To Learn As He Prepares For NHL Debut
No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer is exceeding expectations with the Islanders, but he’s far from satisfied.
EAST MEADOW, NY — Just because Matthew Schaefer has exceeded expectations, that doesn’t mean the No. 1 overall pick is satisfied with where his game is at.
He’s the type of player who wants to learn from his mistakes immediately. He doesn’t wait until after the game to watch film — his focus isn’t on being better for the next game, but for the very next shift.
“During the game, I’m always watching film. If I make a play, I try to figure out what I could have done better,” Schaefer told The Elmonters. “The day after, if you have time to go through film with your coaches and see what they thought, their perspective, and compare it to what you thought, it’s just an open conversation. You become close with them. When you’re able to have that open communication and talk about the game, I think that’s awesome.”
If you talk to veterans in hockey — or any sport — one phrase you’ll hear often is that they’re always learning. In today’s NHL, where the game is faster and more skilled than ever, the only way to survive is by adapting.
Schaefer’s skating and quick hockey mind already fit the mold of the modern player.
But what truly separates him — what made him the No. 1 pick — is his relentless work ethic. And beyond that, it’s his honesty with himself and the high standard he sets each and every day he steps foot on the ice.
“My ears are so open to coaches and players, to hear what they thought and things I could have done better. It’s a very open conversation, so it helps,” Schaefer said. “There are always going to be things to work on. Maybe getting more shots through would be a good one for me. But the biggest thing is being ready every game, making sure your body’s ready. My skating is one of my best assets, and if it’s there every game, it’ll help me so much at the next level with such a faster pace.”
As Herb Brooks said, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
While his individual performance is critical, Schaefer knows building chemistry with Scott Mayfield, his defense partner, is just as important. The two have been bonding on the ice since training camp began.
“He’s awesome. He’s helped me so much,” Schaefer said. “I’ve said it so many times, but he really has. He talks a lot. He’s been in the league for so long, so to be paired with a guy like that helps so much.”
Schaefer comes across as one of the most humble people you’ll meet, and that humility has helped him stay grounded despite the hype around him.
It might sound cliché, but for Schaefer, the biggest thing is having fun. Now, your definition and my definition of fun probably don’t include sandbag skates or grueling drills. But for him, that’s not work. That’s fun. Every aspect of hockey, even the tough developmental process, is enjoyable for him.
There are fair concerns about whether Schaefer might wear down during the grind of an 82-game season — especially with the physicality that comes with it. Through four preseason games, he’s averaging 22:31 of ice time and has absorbed 13 hits, an average of 3.25 per game. Taking the hits to make a play matters, but it also takes a toll.
Still, Schaefer was the No. 1 pick for a reason. At every stage of his career, he’s adapted and elevated his game. There’s no reason to think he won’t do the same as he gears up for his NHL debut.
