3 reasons why New York Islanders shouldn’t play Matthew Schaefer in 2025-26

The New York Islanders face a tough decision regarding number-one overall selection, Matthew Schaefer. In particular, that decision hinges on what the team must do regarding where he’ll play next season.

To begin with, the Islanders have yet to sign Schaefer to his entry-level contract. That situation means he wouldn’t be able to play at the NHL level until he does. While it’s likely just a matter of time before the Isles ink Schaefer to a deal, both sides need to clear business dealings first.

That being said, there are three reasons why Matthew Schaefer should not play in the NHL next season. Of course, there’s a strong argument for him to debut this upcoming season. I presented that argument in a previous piece.

The time has now come to present the opposite side of the argument to this highly complex situation. So, let’s take a look at why the New York Islanders shouldn’t play Matthew Schaefer next season.

He’s still young

It’s easy to forget that Matthew Schaefer is only 17 years old. He seems like a composed, mature young man. But the fact is that he’s still a teenager. While he could step into the spotlight and thrive, there’s no point in taking a needless risk.

A tough stretch to start his NHL career could have a disastrous impact on Schaefer’s confidence. Then, reassigning him would only make matters worse. But sticking to Schaefer, even if he’s clearly not ready for the NHL, could just prolong the issue.

So, it might be best to start Schaefer in the OHL at Erie. From there, he can build confidence and ultimately jump to the NHL. If he turns into the type of player we all hope he does, he’ll be up at the NHL level sooner than anyone might expect.

There’s no clear lineup spot for him

As it stands, there’s no real lineup spot for him. While the Noah Dobson trade was specifically made to clear a path for Schaefer, there really is no open spot for him at the moment.

It would be foolhardy to think that Schaefer can step into the top pair with Alexander Romanov next fall. That’s the plan. Schaefer will eventually get there. But it won’t happen this upcoming season.

Ryan Pulock and Adam Pelech seemed firmly entrenched in the second pairing. The bottom pairing could provide Schaefer with an opportunity.

But do the New York Islanders really want Matthew Schaefer playing bottom-pairing minutes at this point?

If the goal is to shelter him as he grows into the NHL, playing 10 to 12 minutes a night against less dangerous opponents might be a way to get Schaefer into the mix. However, playing him top-pairing minutes at Bridgeport might be more beneficial at this point in his development.

There’s no need to rush Schaefer

Perhaps the most compelling argument lies in the New York Islanders’ lack of urgency. There’s no need to rush Schaefer to the NHL. The Isles are not like the Chicago Blackhawks anointing Connor Bedard as their savior or the San Jose Sharks bringing in Macklin Celebrini to sell tickets.

The Islanders can afford to wait a season or two as they ease Schaefer into the NHL game. The club could give Schaefer a nine-game trial before burning the first year of his entry-level contract. A trial like that could be a good way of judging if he’s ready for prime time.

From there, the club can gauge if Schaefer is truly ready for the NHL. There’s no harm in having him spend a year in the OHL, otherwise.