Islanders fans should be realistic about Matthew Schaefer

The New York Islanders had one heck of an offseason this summer. The bitter ending to the season was immediately washed away by the unbelievable results of the NHL Draft Lottery. The lottery landed the Isles the first-overall pick.

In the weeks since the 2025 NHL Draft, we’ve learned about how the Islanders never really thought about trading the pick. Sure, there was plenty of speculation about moving the pick, but the plan was to use the pick.

And, use it they did.

The Islanders took Matthew Schaefer in an unsurprising but tantalizing move. Schaefer now joins a New York Islanders squad looking to turn over a new leaf without compromising its current core. GM Mathieu Darche brought in key pieces that promise to turn the club around.

The centerpiece of the turnaround is Matthew Schaefer. That’s why fans are right to be excited about the still 17-year-old blueliner. But fans should also be realistic about his impact this upcoming season.

It’s unreasonable to suppose Schaefer can come in and take the NHL by storm. Sure, he has the potential to do it. But it may not happen this season. It may not happen next season. In fact, it may take three or four seasons before he does.

Fans should keep in mind that growing pains are inevitable. There’s a very good chance Schaefer may only play 10 or 12 minutes a night to begin. There’s also a chance he may sit on some nights.

But just because he may not be a Norris Trophy candidate out of the gate, it doesn’t mean he won’t ever be. It will just take some time to adjust to the pro game.

Islanders will look to build blue line around Schaefer

The New York Islanders will be looking to build their blue line around Matthew Schaefer. It makes sense to suppose that it will be the case.

Beyond Alexander Romanov, who’s signed long-term, the rest of the Islanders’ blue line isn’t carved in stone. Vets Tony D’Angelo, Ryan Pulock, Adam Pelech, and Scott Mayfield all have varying degrees of security.

D’Angelo, for instance, is on a one-year deal. Mayfield still has a handful of seasons on his. But things can change unexpectedly.

So, fans should expect the Islanders to gradually move toward a blue line built around Schaefer and Romanov. In fact, a Schaefer-Romanov top pairing wouldn’t be the craziest idea in the world.

But it will take time to unfold. In the meantime, fans can expect the veterans to lead the way as young, up-and-coming players make their way into full-time roles with the Islanders. Players like Isaiah George, Calle Odelius, and Jesse Pulkkinen could all get a look at some point soon.

The future looks bright, but fans will need to be patient before it gets there.