Four NY Islanders make ESPN Top 100 as Matthew Schaefer's ranking raises eyebrows

The New York Islanders might not have the star power of some of the NHL's elite teams, but ESPN's latest ranking of the league's top 100 players suggests there's still plenty of high-end talent on Long Island.

Four Islanders made the list published earlier this week, led by Matthew Schaefer, who checked in at a remarkable No. 16. That's quite a jump for someone who wasn't even ranked a year ago.

The 19-year-old defenseman is coming off a remarkable rookie season that earned him the Calder Trophy, and ESPN clearly believes his impact is only beginning. Greg Wyshynski acknowledged that placing a second-year player inside the top 20 might raise eyebrows, but pointed to Schaefer's offensive production and potential.

Next came Ilya Sorokin at No. 27, a significant improvement from his No. 66 ranking last season.

Sorokin remains the Islanders' most reliable player and one of the NHL's premier goaltenders. His seven shutouts last season led the league, and his consistency continues to make him the backbone of the franchise.

Captain Bo Horvat also received some recognition, climbing from No. 100 last year to No. 85. Horvat's nine-spot rise might not grab headlines, but his importance to the Islanders extends well beyond his offensive production.

The fourth Islander was Mathew Barzal, who slipped from No. 71 to No. 91.

Barzal's drop is understandable considering the injuries that have interrupted his recent seasons, but his creativity and playmaking remain essential to the Islanders' offense.

What's interesting is how differently these four players are trending. Schaefer has already established himself among the league's best, Sorokin made a substantial leap, Horvat moved up modestly, and Barzal dropped 20 spots.

For a team trying to return to the playoffs, having four players among the NHL's top 100 is encouraging.

Having one already ranked 16th at age 19 is something else entirely.

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