Matthew Schaefer wants to help Pete DeBoer capture the one thing he’s missing

Matthew Schaefer accomplished almost everything imaginable during his rookie season with the New York Islanders.

Now, he has his sights set on helping new head coach Pete DeBoer accomplish the one thing still missing from his résumé.

A Stanley Cup.

Schaefer will benefit from returning to a familiar Islanders roster in 2026-27, particularly on defense. He credited the team’s veteran blue line with helping ease his transition into the NHL last season, both on and off the ice.

“They all took me under their wing last season and acted as father figures,” Schaefer said. “Whether it was taking me out for dinner or just showing me the ropes, it was nice knowing I had people that cared about me and that I could rely on.”

There will, however, be one major change behind the bench.

DeBoer took over for the final four games of last season and will now enter his first full campaign as Islanders head coach. His history of working with high-end, puck-moving defensemen could make him an ideal fit for Schaefer as the young star looks to build on his Calder Trophy-winning rookie season.

Schaefer is already excited about the partnership.

“He has the same mentality that we do and I really think he’s going to help me improve my game,” Schaefer said. “The one thing he’s missing is a Cup, and we want to do that here.”

DeBoer has built an impressive coaching career and has taken teams deep into the postseason, but the Stanley Cup has remained elusive.

Schaefer clearly wants to help change that.

For a teenager who has already made it obvious how much he loves competing, the offseason can only last so long.

With a familiar supporting cast, a new coach and even higher expectations, Schaefer is ready to get back to work. He thinks it has to be an awesome year, and certainly has the game to back it up.

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