Is NY Islanders rookie phenom Matthew Schaefer the next Connor McDavid?

The comparisons may sound bold, but the conversation around Matthew Schaefer continues to grow louder. According to Big Data Hockey, the New York Islanders rookie defenseman is bringing traits to the NHL that have only previously been associated with generational talents like Connor McDavid.

“Matthew Schaefer is the next Connor McDavid,” Big Data Hockey said in a recent breakdown. “It’s eerie how similar they are, from skating style to offensive philosophy.”

Schaefer has already delivered a historic rookie campaign. The 18-year-old recently set the NHL record for most goals by an 18-year-old defenseman, passing several Hall of Famers along the way. Through 61 games, he has recorded 20 goals and 44 points.

“Schaefer just set the record for most goals from an 18-year-old defenseman,” the analysis noted. “A true franchise-changing piece that is going to dominate highlight reels for the next 20 years.”

The foundation of those comparisons begins with how Schaefer skates. Big Data Hockey argues that McDavid changed the way players generate speed in the modern NHL.

“When McDavid entered the NHL, he raised the ceiling for what’s possible with skating,” the analysis explained. “Before McDavid, most players relied on downhill skating and long strides. McDavid basically never stops using crossovers to gain speed.”

That technique allows players to accelerate while staying deceptive with the puck.

“Those crossovers give you incredible top-end speed, but they also make you far more deceptive than a straight-line skater,” Big Data Hockey said.

Now, the same mechanics are appearing in Schaefer’s game — from the blue line.

“10 years later, Matthew Schaefer is the first defenseman to enter the league and immediately carry those same traits,” the analysis said after McDavid clips from 2015. “His acceleration through crossovers is as good as any defenseman in the sport.”

Tracking data backs it up. Schaefer leads NHL defensemen in bursts of speed over 22 miles per hour while ranking near the top in puck possession, zone entries and zone exits.

“What makes Schaefer so impressive is how he processes the game at that speed,” Big Data Hockey added. “He’s making plays only a handful of players in the NHL can make.”

At just 18 years old, the ceiling remains unknown.

“We are witnessing greatness unfold all over again,” Big Data Hockey concluded.