ELMONT, NY — What more can be said about the New York Islanders’ rookie phenom Matthew Schaefer?
At 18 years old, he’s rewriting NHL history. He’s running away with the Calder Trophy race. He may not be a Norris Trophy finalist this season, but he’s arguably a top-five defenseman in this league just 61 games into his career — and that includes elite, shutdown defending, not just offense.
Schaefer Accomplishments In Win Over Florida
Where would the Islanders be without Schaefer? I’ll tell you one thing, likely not in a playoff spot, let alone third in the division, just a point behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for second place.
And for that reason, Schaefer is putting himself in Hart Trophy consideration territory, a trophy awarded for being the Most Valuable Player to his team.