Matthew Schaefer is poised to make an impact with the NY Islanders this season after a strong debut

It was only a preseason game, but there was hype surrounding this one, as it was the first time we’d see 2025 first overall pick Matthew Schaefer on the ice in an Islanders uniform. 

What popped off the screen after just a few shifts for Schaefer were his speed and willingness to jump into transition. 

Schaefer gave a real glimpse of his speed when Matvei Michkov was sprung on a breakaway in OT with plenty of space between himself and the Islanders’ closest defender. The young defenseman chased down Michkov, catching him in no time, hassling him, resulting in a weak shot and an easy save. 

Schaefer looks strong in preseason debut

His first game did have its growing pains. Schaefer took two penalties, one delay of game and the other for a holding call. He also made a turnover in his own zone, leading directly to a Flyers goal. But Islanders Head Coach Patrick Roy isn’t putting all the blame on the youngster. 

"We didn't do a very good job forward-wise,” Roy said postgame. “We were all turning. If one had stood up on the strong side, it would have been an easy pass for him. So we didn't give him much of a chance on that play. Between you and I, it happens. I mean, I fumbled a few bucks in my career. I could tell you that. It happens. I mean, no one's perfect, but he's a strong person as well. I mean, it didn't let that affect him, and we won't let that affect him. I could tell you that. We want him to play his game, and we want him to play with confidence. Confidence is a big, big thing in the game, for any player in any sport. He's strong mentally. I don't think it affected him at all."

The Islanders have been missing a true offensive-defenseman for years now. Schaefer quickly showed that he’s capable of bringing that aspect to the blue line. 

After being released from the penalty box after one of his penalties, Schaefer jumped up ice, finding himself on a two-on-zero with Bo Horvat. Horvat slid a puck over to Schaefer, facing an open net, but the puck was deflected away by a diving Flyers defenseman. Later, he was sprung on a breakaway of his own, but was turned away by goaltender Carson Bjarnason.

Last night was Schaefer’s first game action in nearly 10 months, after breaking his collarbone in December while playing in the World Junior Championship. There will be some rust to shake off, but this early into training camp, there’s going to be cobwebs for everyone. But a potential star for the Islanders looked very promising in his first preseason game.