Matthew Schaefer reveals what’s holding him back from Islanders’ opening night

Matthew Schaefer was the first overall pick in last month's draft, and since his goal is to be on Long Island for Game 1 of what will be a successful NHL career, chances are, he's already made the team. But don't tell him that. Schaefer still knows he needs to earn his role on the New York Islanders and to do that, there are some weaknesses to address.

When TSN Radio 1050 interviewed Schaefer, he said, “I want to be in that opening-night roster and there's still some things I got to work on in the gym, on the ice. I think just getting stronger is the thing for me.”

Schaefer knows exactly what he needs to do. Size and strength is something that a lot of youngsters will struggle with early on because they're playing against guys who've been training at a world-class level for decades. As for Schaefer and other young hockey players, matching that size and strength won't happen in one summer.

Still, working with the Islanders training staff will give him more of an advantage than he's bad before, so expect him to pack on some size and strength before training camp begins in September. I would also expect a noticeably bigger, stronger version of Schaefer after each summer until at least his age-22 or 23 season. But that doesn't mean his skills are behind the eight ball.

Expect Matthew Schaefer to be part of the New York Islanders lineup, regardless

At this point, we all know the drill. Rookies, especially those drafted Nos. 1 and 2 overall, are likely to see extended NHL time in their first season. Further, the Isles traded Noah Dobson, and do you really think they wouldn't have planned on Schaefer being part of that opening-night roster otherwise?

Hey, I doubt it. Heck, he's a top-four, 20-plus-minute player and that'll start the second he's on the ice in a preseason game. The only way Schaefer won't stick around Long Island is if he, surprisngly, more than proves he's not ready for NHL ice.

And while there will be growing pains and caveats here and there, Schaefer's the two-way talent the Isles need to help bolster their goal-scoring. It was something Schaefer showed he was more than capable of this past season with the Erie Otters when he strung together 22 points and seven goals across 17 contests.

Had he managed to play an entire season without sustaining an injury, there'd be no speculation whatsoever regarding Schaefer. Even as I write this, I find it hard to believe that there is.

Sure, size and strength are important and they'll come in time. Clearly, Schaefer knows this. But it won't stop the Islanders from keeping him with the big club when the games start to count in October, barring one serious meltdown.

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