Matthew Schaefer’s development could shift the Islanders' entire season

Matthew Schaefer may be the ultimate wild card for the New York Islanders heading into 2025-26. Ask anyone following the Isles, and you'll get a slew of different opinions on Schaefer, ranging from how there's a chance he could return to juniors to him seeing full-time minutes with ample ice time.

For me, it's simple: I'd play Schaefer for as long as he's shown me that he deserves to play. This means if I have my doubts about him, I'd send him back to Erie. Or, if I feel like he can handle middle pairing minutes, then that's where I'd put him.

More likely than not, he's a middle-pairing player to kick things off, before gradually increasing his ice time to regular top-pairing minutes. That could happen as early as this season, but it gives general manager Mathieu Darche and Company something to think about.

Because if Schaefer develops faster than expected, it'll only help what's still a very capable Islanders team. If not, the Isles will have one less two-way weapon to work with as the season progresses, and that could hurt them all year long.

This doesn't mean the New York Islanders need to put unnecessary pressure on Matthew Schaefer

You don't need to spin my words around. I'm not saying this is, nor should it be, a high-pressure situation for Schaefer. Instead, it would be a bonus for him if he developed to the point the Isles trusted him with more ice time, especially if his two-way game shone early.

But let's say he develops his game similar to what we've seen from Connor Bedard in Chicago. Different position, different situation, but bear with me.

I'm talking about the way Bedard has been serviceable, but far from spectacular in Years 1 and 2 with the Blackhawks. Suppose that's Schaefer's ceiling this season. What does it mean for the Islanders?

Probably a year that mimics what we were forced to watch last season. So-so scoring, so-so defense, and a likely top-10 lottery pick in the 2026 draft. Not the most ideal scenario, but it could be the most realistic, as Schaefer takes slower steps to develop. And that's absolutely fine.

One player doesn't change the dynamics of hockey, but...

I really like this Islanders team with a version of Matthew Schaefer who's ahead of his development curve. Like, as in, a potential wild card group, especially if a few players like Anthony Duclair can bounce back.

With a version of Schaefer that's good, not great, but developing slowly, the Isles are okay. Very middle of the road. Beef up his development, and inject his playmaking ability into this lineup, and the Isles, when they have the puck, look a lot better on paper.

If this was a bad hockey team, they wouldn't contend for the playoffs no matter what Schaefer would, or wouldn't do. But Schaefer's someone who can be that "missing piece" for a decent run at the playoffs in 2026 if he comes in, plays well early, and coaches trust him with more ice time.

More from Eyes on Isles