EXCLUSIVE: Inside The Blueprint Behind Matthew Schaefer’s Modern Skillset

New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer opens up about the origins of his skating, the influences that shaped his style, and how he became the modern kind of defenseman NHL teams crave.

PHOTO: Dennis DaSilva / New York Islanders

New York Islanders No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer has many assets in his arsenal, with his skating standing out as his greatest strength.

Because of his edges, lateral agility, and effortless stride, Schaefer often draws comparisons to Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar and Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes.

But that got me thinking.