The Cale Makar-Matthew Schaefer Measuring Stick
Former Avalanche forward Jonathan Drouin, who played alongside Cale Makar, sees striking similarities in Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer.
Comparing players — especially young, unproven NHLers — to the stars of the show can sometimes lead to impossible expectations.
When it comes to the New York Islanders’ No. 1 overall pick, Matthew Schaefer, it’s easy to draw parallels to the Colorado Avalanche’s Cale Makar — a dynamic, shifty specimen who plays a complete 200-foot game. Oh, and he just happens to be a two-time Norris Trophy winner (2021-22, 2024-25).
So comparing someone who’s played only three NHL games — and shown flashes of brilliance — to someone who’s dominated the league for seven years isn’t exactly fair… yet.
However, when opposing coaches start bringing up Makar’s name unprompted, it reinforces what the eye test already suggests: Schaefer could be the next Makar — or at least some version of him.
“I just made the comment to management that I’m glad he’s in the East,” Winnipeg Jets head coach Scott Arniel said on Monday. “The kid is dynamic. Boy, can he skate. I’ve seen some young guys step into this league. There’s a guy in Colorado who kind of has that same kind of poise and ability to move. He is dynamic. I saw a video and watched him on TV last year. But to see him live — man, oh man — he can jump. He can skate, and he has some tools. I’m glad he’s in the East.”
If only the Islanders had someone who’d played with Makar before to provide some perspective… oh wait, they do.
I spoke with Jonathan Drouin — Makar’s former Avalanche teammate — about Schaefer and whether those comparisons might actually be warranted: