Matt Martin and his family are playing a crucial role in NY Islanders' rookie Matthew Schaefer's development

It's difficult to determine how a rookie will adapt to playing in the NHL, especially as an 18-year-old. But since making his debut less than a month ago with the NY Islanders, it's safe to say that Matthew Schaefer's transition to the NHL has been seamless.

For those who followed the NHL Draft process at all have seen what a close-knit family the Schaefer's are. Matthew's brother and father were right at his side and have played a major role in his upbringing. Now, moving to a new city and country, Schaefer wouldn't have his immediate family alongside him. But with Matt Martin and his family stepping in, Schaefer still lives among a strong family atmosphere.

Schaefer's father asked Martin if he'd consider taking in his son for his rookie season, noticing a connection the two had right off the bat.

"I consider him a dad, you know, in a way a brother," Schaefer said of Martin on the Don, Hahn, & Rosenberg show. "We became super close from the start of development camp with the Islanders and throughout. His wife is awesome. They were one of the first ones to invite me over for dinner."

Schaefer has been called a babysitter for the Martins, appearing all over social media with the Martin's two sons and two daughters, and recently, having some playful jabs with Martin's father-in-law and former NFL MVP, Boomer Esiason. Esiason, a die-hard NY Rangers fan, made sure to wear his Rangers jersey to the house and snap a photo with Schaefer with the Islanders rookie trying to cover the "Rangers" written across the sweater.

After Schaefer's first career two-goal game in Sunday's comeback win, Sydney Martin made sure to capture her two daughters chanting "Let's go Schaef," as the girls were celebrating their new friend/babysitter.

While Schaefer's success on the ice has been so much more than anybody could have hoped for so early in his career, what makes that easier for him is the atmosphere he was raised in and what he goes home to every night. Though it's not seen on the ice, the Martins are playing a crucial role in his development as a player and a person.