How NY Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer has dealt with the grind of the NHL season

Halfway through his first NHL season, Matthew Schaefer is learning that the dream comes with a grind — and that surviving it is just as much about discipline as talent.

At just 18 years old, the New York Islanders’ rookie defenseman is getting his first real taste of what an NHL season demands. The pace is relentless, the margin for error is thin, and there’s no such thing as coasting. “This is definitely a league you want to be in,” Schaefer said Saturday. “But it’s a lot of hard work. There’s always someone trying to take your spot. You’ve got to keep working and keep getting better every day.”

The physical toll has been real. Schaefer admitted that the body doesn’t feel the same every morning anymore — not with games every other night, back-to-backs, and constant travel. Some days feel good. Others don’t. The adjustment, he’s learning, is about managing the lows as much as enjoying the highs. “You just push through it,” he said. “Doing the little things — in the gym, off the ice, recovery, nutrition — that’s how you keep yourself as close to 100 percent as you can.”

That learning curve isn’t just physical. Mentally, Schaefer is adapting to nightly matchups against the best players in the world. One shift it’s Sidney Crosby, another, like tonight, it’s Auston Matthews. “When you’re in the game, you’re just trying to shut them down,” Schaefer said. “If you do that, you’re doing your job.”

Having supportive teammates has eased the transition. Schaefer singled out Mathew Barzal for his support, praising both his skill and his willingness to help a young defenseman grow. Barzal also had his back in Columbus last week in a big way.

Still, Schaefer’s confidence comes from within. He speaks like someone who understands that improvement is non-negotiable. Looking ahead, even the idea of rest feels valuable. Whether it’s a break in February or just a quiet day to reset, Schaefer understands how important recovery is, physically and mentally, in a season that never really slows down.