Schaefer’s Whirlwind NHL Start Has Him Finally Catching An Olympic Break At The Perfect Time
New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer’s rapid rise to No. 1 defenseman has exceeded expectations. How much can the Olympic break help the 18-year-old elevate his game for the playoff push?
New York Islanders rookie phenom Matthew Schaefer may not be alongside teammate Bo Horvat representing Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
The 18-year-old did his best to put himself in the conversation, going from a draft prospect to the Islanders’ No. 1 defenseman in short order, while also skating on the top power-play unit and filling in on the penalty kill when needed.
Through 58 games this season, Schaefer has 16 goals and 23 assists for 39 points, averaging 24:05 per game. He not only sits one goal shy of legend and Hockey Hall of Famer Denis Potvin for the most by a rookie in franchise history, but he also trails Buffalo Sabres legend Phil Housley by one goal for the most in NHL history by an 18-year-old defenseman.
When you dip below the surface stats, his rise has been even more impressive.
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Last season, due to mono and a broken collarbone, Schaefer played in just 17 games, scoring seven goals with 15 assists. That was against 15- to 20-year-olds, as a 17-year-old.
When was the last time Schaefer scored 16 or more goals in a season in his playing career?
You have to go back to 2021-22 with the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs, a U15 AAA team, when he scored 17 goals with 34 assists in 34 games.
Schaefer’s dominance has transformed the Islanders faster than anyone could have expected. And he’s only going to get better.
The question is, how much will this Olympic break benefit the 18-year-old, and is there another level he can reach as the Islanders continue their playoff push?
No. 1 overall picks don’t earn that accolade by accident. From the first day of development camp, Schaefer has put in the work. Numerous times, he has asked one of the assistant coaches running drills to let him get another rep in — even after practice has ended and players are leaving the ice.
He’s a quick learner, too. Although the Islanders can’t hold official practices during the break, this time off will certainly allow Schaefer to take a closer look at his game and identify where he can make adjustments to be even more successful.
Rest is the most important thing, as Schaefer has absorbed plenty of big hits throughout his first NHL season while averaging the 18th-most minutes in the league — nearly four minutes more than any other rookie this season.
Having a chance to rest and refine his game is a luxury most young players don’t typically get in their first season. If there were an All-Star Game this year, Schaefer likely would have been there.
I asked Schaefer about the importance of this break following the Islanders’ 3-1 win over the New Jersey Devils, their final game before the Olympics:
“At the end of the day, going back and seeing family and friends, just being at home again, I think it’ll be a good break, especially to just rest the body,” Schaefer said. “When we get back, it’s full throttle.”
EXCLUSIVE: Schaefer, His Routine & Staying A Kid
EAST MEADOW, NY — Matthew Schaefer’s game has already grabbed everyone’s attention, but it’s the little things — the routines, the rituals, the moments with fans and family — that reveal who he actually is.
The Islanders have 24 games remaining when their regular season resumes on Feb. 28 in Montreal. They sit four points ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Washington Capitals for third place in the Metropolitan Division.
If the Islanders are going to remain in at least third — they must finish in one of the three Metro spots, with the Atlantic Division currently holding both wild-card positions — Schaefer will need to be on his A-game.
Schaefer’s ceiling is immeasurable at this moment in time. The question now: Can he continue to raise the bar after the Olympic break?
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Rest is way better than the OLY, even if playing with Crosby, et al would have been a good experience.
First 7 Games out of the break will determine the fate of this team. Six 6️⃣ on the road including West Coast Swing, 1 at Home against desperate defending champions Panthers with Matthew. If they can get 4 wins out of those seven the rest of the schedule is home heavy and favorable.