Matthew Schaefer shows progress in second NY Islanders pre-season game

For 18-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer, Thursday’s preseason game versus the New Jersey Devils wasn’t about perfection—it was about progress. The New York Islanders’ top draft pick logged his second game of camp and showed flashes of why the organization is so excited about his future.

Schaefer admitted afterward that there were plays he wished he could have back, but he stressed the importance of learning from mistakes now, not when the regular season begins. "Every game’s a step in the right direction. There are going to be mistakes, but you just learn from them, put them in the past, and worry about the next one," he said. "I’m just trying to get better each and every day."

His effort showed on the scoresheet, too. Schaefer was credited with an assist when his low shot from the blue line was redirected in by Anthony Duclair, a goal that underscored his poise and awareness with the puck. "I was just going to put it on net. I saw he was there. Great play by him," Schaefer explained.

While the Isles ultimately fell short on the scoreboard, the trust in Schaefer was evident in how he was deployed, particularly in key moments. Though he knows he can’t play a perfect game yet, his willingness to absorb feedback and apply it quickly is what continues to stand out.

"Nobody’s perfect. You’re always going to make mistakes, but the goal is to limit them when opening night comes," Schaefer said. "For me, it’s about learning a lot right now so I’m ready."

Head coach Patrick Roy has praised Schaefer’s maturity throughout camp, and the rookie is backing that up with consistent improvement. With two preseason games under his belt, the first overall pick continues to show he belongs as roster decisions loom.