Matthew Schaefer: 3 reasons why Islanders' top prospect should play in 2025-26

The New York Islanders face a bit of a quandary heading into next season. The team must decide where Matthew Schaefer should play next season.

The Isles’ number-one overall pick is too good to return to the OHL. While he could, doing so might not be the best option for his development.

He could also play in the AHL as he adjusts to the pro game. That option might be the best one. Nevertheless, there is a case to be made for the Islanders’ top prospect to start the season in the NHL come next fall.

So, let’s discuss three reasons why Matthew Schaefer should be in the Islanders’ lineup next fall.

3 reasons why Matthew Schaefer should be in New York Islanders' lineup in 2025-26

Schaefer has nothing to prove in the OHL

Matthew Schaefer has nothing to prove in the OHL. He’s already been drafted as the top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. He doesn’t need to chase a Memorial Cup or earn some sort of personal accolades.

Yes, he had a down season in 2024-25. Injuries limited him to 17 games with the Erie Otters. But in those 17 games, he scored seven goals and 22 points.

Another season in the OHL would only serve to assert his dominance over a level that’s beneath him at this point.

Developmentally, returning to the OHL might not be the wisest decision for Schaefer unless he is convinced that he’s not ready to head to the NHL.

Islanders don’t need Schaefer to be a top-pairing defenseman right away

The New York Islanders are not a rebuilding team in desperate need of a top-pairing defenseman. The club already has Alexander Romanov. Plus, the veteran blue line can handle the rigors of next season’s duties.

So, that puts the Islanders in a position to shelter Schaefer in the early going. Perhaps he lands in the bottom pair for the first few games of the season. Then, as he makes his way up the depth chart, coach Patrick Roy can ease him into a more meaningful role.

If Schaefer proves he’s not ready for prime time just yet, the club can see what other options may be available to him moving forward.

Schaefer has shown maturity beyond his years

It’s easy to forget that Matthew Schaefer is still a teenager. He’s not 18 yet- But he’s proven to be a mature young man well beyond his years.

Part of that has to do with the personal tragedies he and his family have dealt with. Part of that also has to do with his character and composure on the ice.

Unlike other players older than him, Schaefer looks poised to handle the rigors of the NHL at this point in his life. The New York Islanders, of course, will have to be careful in ensuring the pressure doesn’t mount on him.

But that’s the best part. Schaefer isn’t walking into a situation like Connor Bedard in Chicago or Macklin Celebrini in San Jose. He’s not expected to be the savior for the Islanders.

Schaefer won’t be counted on to turn the franchise around like Connor McDavid did for the Edmonton Oilers or Auston Matthews did for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Long Island is a fantastic place for Matthew Schaefer to quietly go about the business of becoming the best possible NHLer he can be, with a supportive fan base rallying behind him.