Matthew Schaefer’s Versatility Could Solve Future Islanders Blue-Line Questions
Matthew Schaefer explains why he feels comfortable playing on his off side and how his versatility could help shape the future of the Islanders’ blue line.
There is no expectation that the New York Islanders’ blue line is going to look incredibly different from the way it did to close out the 2025-26 NHL season.
However, there are still question marks.
Will pending free agent Tony DeAngelo return?
Will LHD Adam Pelech, coming off a resurgent, elite-level season, be moved for forward help, given the depth the team has on the left side?
Will RHD Alexander Romanov, who struggled early on in 2025-26 after inking an eight-year extension worth $6.25 million annually, be able to bounce back?
Will RHD Ryan Pulock, who opted for shoulder surgery following the season, feel good enough come training camp?
Does LHD prospect Isaiah George, who head coach Pete DeBoer said looked like an “NHL defenseman,” get a chance to be an everyday player somehow?
Further down the line, will there be an opening for LHD Kashawn Aitcheson (2025, No. 17)?
Aitcheson, who signed his ELC, will turn pro in 2026-27, likely playing for Hamilton in the AHL as he works his way to the NHL level.
There’s certainly a scenario in which, depending on how things shake up with the blue line this summer and next — subtractions/additions — the Islanders have to play a LHD on their off side.
Former Islanders head coach Patrick Roy never thought it was much of a concern to have a defenseman playing on their off side, but it became clear that certain players can handle it better than others.
For example, Adam Boqvist and Scott Mayfield struggled on their off side.
Rookie phenom Matthew Schaefer did not.
When need be, we saw Schaefer move to the right side when Pulock missed time during the season, skating alongside Pelech, a pairing that looked really strong in their limited minutes.
Having a superstar who can be versatile like Schaefer can be a game-changer, especially with the high price on right-shot defensemen.