Skip to main content
Eyes On Isles
Fansided

Matthew Schaefer earns a letter as NY Islanders announce their alternate captains

ByJiggs Westfall
Share on FacebookShare on XShare on Reddit
Google Discover
Oct 21, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) talks to center Kyle Palmieri (21) during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Oct 21, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) talks to center Kyle Palmieri (21) during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

There was little suspense surrounding who would wear the "C" for the New York Islanders this season. Bo Horvat had already been named captain. The more interesting question was which players would join him with letters on their sweaters.

The Islanders had plenty of options. Pete DeBoer ultimately selected Ryan Pulock, Kyle Palmieri and Brayden Schenn as alternate captains, along with one name that stood out from the rest: 19-year-old Matthew Schaefer. After determining Schaefer was too young to become captain following Anders Lee's departure, the Islanders still felt their young defenseman was ready for an official leadership role.

The decision is another indication of where the organization believes Schaefer is headed. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft quickly emerged as a cornerstone during his rookie season, and leadership questions followed almost immediately. DeBoer and the Islanders resisted making him one of the youngest captains in NHL history, instead choosing the experienced Horvat. Giving Schaefer an "A" allows him to grow into that responsibility without putting the entire weight of the captaincy on him.

It's also notable considering some of the players who weren't selected. Mathew Barzal has been with the Islanders since making his NHL debut in 2017, while Casey Cizikas is entering his 16th season with the organization. Neither has regularly worn a letter for the Islanders. Cizikas enters the season 22 games shy of 1,000 for his career, all with New York, and could reach the milestone later this season if healthy.

Schaefer obviously doesn't have anything close to that experience.

But leadership isn't always determined by seniority.

The Islanders decided 19 was too young for Schaefer to wear the "C." Apparently, it wasn't too young for an "A."

And considering everything the Islanders have invested in Schaefer as the face of their future, it probably won't be the last letter he wears.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Home/NY Islanders News