Hall of Fame defenseman praises NY Islanders rookie Schaefer, questions Team Canada

Hall of Fame defenseman Chris Pronger didn’t expect to talk himself into doubt. But as he spoke on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast about 18-year-old New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, that’s exactly what happened.

“I was like, ah, the Schaefer kid, he’s young, he’s 18, I don’t know if I’d throw him to the wolves. I don’t know if I’d do that,” Pronger admitted. It was the voice of experience, of someone who understands how unforgiving elite competition can be for teenage defensemen. Early on, Pronger said he leaned toward caution, especially from an Islanders perspective. “If you’re the Islanders, you’re like, let’s give him the month off. Let’s let him rest because we’re gonna be in a playoff run, a stretch run, stretch drive.”

But then Schaefer just kept playing. And excelling.

“He’s not slowing down. No, no,” Pronger said, stopping himself mid-thought as he reconsidered age-based comparisons. “He’s 18. [Drew] Doughtywas 21, I think, at that time.” The correction mattered. What Schaefer is doing isn’t typical. “It is remarkable to watch this kid night in, night out and the energy that he’s bringing.”

As Pronger watched more tape, his certainty unraveled. “Well, I don’t know, man,” he said. “The more I think about it… this kid has been lights out.” That’s when the conversation drifted toward a much bigger question: did Team Canada make the right call leaving him off the Olympic roster?

Pronger was careful, but honest. “Again, he’s not Bobby Orr,” he said, before immediately explaining why the comparison even crossed his mind. “But the way that he skates—if you watch old footage of Bobby Orr, he’s flying by guys and he’s not even really trying. And this kid… he’s doing the same thing.” Then came the kicker: “And the league is way faster than it was back then. And this kid is doing that.”

For Pronger to openly reconsider his stance—and quietly question an Olympic decision—speaks volumes. At 18, Mathew Schaefer isn’t just keeping up. He’s forcing Hall of Famers and others in the hockey world to rethink what’s possible.