Matthew Schaefer recently sat down with us exclusively for a wide-ranging conversation, and rather than pack everything into one story, we’ll be bringing you different pieces of that conversation throughout the week.
We’re starting today with Schaefer discussing his summer and the work he’s been putting in ahead of the season.
This story is free for everyone.
After Monday, the rest of our Schaefer interviews this week will be for paid subscribers.
EAST MEADOW, NY — What Matthew Schaefer accomplished during his rookie season is something you see once in a generation.
Even for an 18-year-old kid with a ton of energy and an ability to play nearly 25 minutes every night for 82 games while breaking records left and right, time off was needed.
After the summer of 2025, when Schaefer didn’t get a second to catch his breath, with the NHL Combine, the NHL Draft, Development Camp, rookie camp and then training camp ahead of his rookie season, this summer was a bit different, deservedly so.
“I took a month and a bit off, maybe even a little bit longer than that, maybe even close to two,” Schaefer told The Elmonters. “I took some time off because I wanted to really rest the body and just get my mental reset because I think that’s the biggest thing that can help me.”
Adding weight has been an emphasis for Schaefer for quite some time. During his rookie season, the 18-year-old spoke about the challenge of maintaining his weight over an 82-game schedule while battling against bigger and stronger NHL players.
Now, that’s been part of the focus this summer.
“I focused on just being a kid, being with my friends, family, and then obviously taking time off, and then being in the gym, putting on weight, and then just trying to better my game in any way possible,” Schaefer said.
Schaefer continues to spend his summers working with former Norris Trophy winner Mark Giordano, who serves as an offseason coach for the Islanders defenseman.
Here’s his routine.
“I’ll come in Monday to Friday and I’ll work out,” Schaefer said. “We’ll skate about three times a week. So, we’ll skate Tuesday, Thursday, and then we’ll have 3-on-3 on Friday.”
How does the 3-on-3 work?
“We do a draft, and then there are captains, and then it’s basically all the pro guys,” Schaefer said. “We have a mini pad for three-on-three. It’s the best because you’re probably playing close to double digits of games, maybe close to 10 games on a good day, but probably close to seven games if you go to the finals.
“It’s just fun because it’s three-on-three and it’s competitive and you want to win. You’re basically playing round robins, quarters, semis, finals.”
And there’s certainly no shortage of NHL talent around him.
“It’s just good when you’re skating with obviously a lot of pro guys: Nazem Kadri, Scott Laughton, Josh Anderson, Will Cuylle, Jamie Drysdale,” Schaefer said. “So we have a great group there, which is awesome to skate with them, Morgan Rielly and stuff.
“We have a great group that I can learn from. My first summer training with them was awesome. I got to learn a lot from them my first year, and I’m learning a lot from them this summer too. So, yeah, I’m looking forward to this year.”
Schaefer is as humble as anyone you’ll meet. He understands what he accomplished in Year 1, but that doesn’t mean he’s satisfied as he gears up for his second season on Long Island.
“It’s obviously super cool, but I’m always super hard on myself that I feel like I’ve got so much more to show,” Schaefer said. “And second year is a big year, so I want to come ready and I want this year to be even better.”
Did he say what his weight is up to?