A new torch is lit as Matthew Schaefer and the NY Islanders defeat John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs

Flashback to July 1, 2018. A day that will live in infamy in the hearts of NY Islanders’ fans everywhere. The day John Tavares packed his bags, left Long Island for good, and signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Most fans can tell you where they were and what they were doing at the exact moment they heard the news that Tavares would not be re-signing with the Islanders.

Schaefer opens a new chapter in the post-Tavares era

Tavares, the Captain and best player for the Islanders in what felt like forever, was a symbol of hope for the organization that had suffered nothing but heartache for the better part of 30+ years. 

Despite having more success in the years post-Tavares, the Islanders' faithful still aren’t over it, and make sure he knows it each time he returns to Long Island.

Flash forward 2,500 days. May 5, 2025. The day of the NHL Draft Lottery. Against all odds, with only a 3.5% chance at winning the first overall pick, the balls bounced the Islanders' way. Matthew Schaefer would become the new shining star in the Islanders organization.