NHLPA Rookie Showcase Highlighted By Isles’ Schaefer
No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer continues his media tour at the NHLPA Upper Deck Rookie Showcase, showing maturity, humility, and personality as he readies for Islanders training camp.
Matthew Schaefer’s media tour since going No. 1 overall at the 2025 NHL Draft continued down in Washington, D.C. at the 2025 NHLPA Upper Deck Rookie Showcase.
Contrary to popular belief, given his maturity level at just 17 years old, Schaefer is a world-class funny kid. He understands the importance of the upcoming training camp and the significance of being a role model in the community back at home and on Long Island.
But he’s also someone who lives in the moment and is always rocking a smile.
So, when I spoke with my dear pal Sammi Silber, who was boots on the ground for the event, I wasn’t shocked by her answers as to how Schaefer conducted himself amongst his NHL-hopeful peers.
Silber covers the Washington Capitals for DC Backcheck and The Hockey News, and I can’t recommend her stuff more for NHL fans in general.
Let’s get to her answers about Schaefer at the event, along with some quotes from the No. 1 overall pick and fellow Islanders Marc Gatcomb, who, at 26, was invited after a strong showing through his first 39 NHL games.