Matthew Schaefer paired with the NY Islanders' longest tenured defenseman

Entering his first NHL training camp 13 days after his 18th birthday, Matthew Schaefer has all eyes on him as the 2025 NHL Draft's first overall pick and the future of the NY Islanders.

The pressure doesn't appear to affect the wise-beyond-his-years teenager. Still, Head Coach Patrick Roy paired Schaefer with Scott Mayfield, the Isles' longest tenured defenseman, on the first day of training camp, as it could be a duo we see on opening night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Schaefer playing with Mafield

"It was nice for him to be with Maysey (Mayfield)," Roy said. "I think Maysey will play maybe a big brother role for him and help him out. Make him vocal out there, so I think it's going to help him out a lot."

Perhaps the most intriguing part of Schaefer's game is his ability to push the puck up the ice from within his own zone. Mayfield is more of a stay-at-home type of defender, which could allow Schaefer more freedom to join the transition game, knowing his partner has him covered.

"His first step is, you know, phenomenal," said Mayfield. "You watch when we transition up the ice, he's just, boom - he's up the ice already. He's got that speed."

At 32 years old, Mayfield is entering his 10th season on the Islanders roster and is prepared to do all he can to aid Schaefer in making his shift from juniors to the NHL.

"For me, it's communication," says Mayfield. "It's always talking. You know, if he has a question, being able to answer it. I know the systems well, I know what Patty (Roy) and the coaching staff want. What they expect out of us. For me, it's just helping him out anyway I can if he has questions. Or on the ice, backing him up, making sure I'm there for him, talking. You know, kind of just being that steady presence."