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NHL.com makes bold early prediction for NY Islanders' Matthew Schaefer

ByJiggs Westfall|
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Oct 21, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) skates with the puck against San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Oct 21, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) skates with the puck against San Jose Sharks center Macklin Celebrini (71) during the second period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Matthew Schaefer's rookie season has already established him as one of the NHL's brightest young stars. Now, the New York Islanders defenseman is being projected to earn another major honor.

In its first early look at the 2027 NHL All-Star Game rosters, NHL.com included Schaefer among the nine skaters projected to represent Team Canada during the international-style tournament scheduled for Feb. 5-6 at UBS Arena.

If the projection holds, it would mark Schaefer's first appearance representing Canada as an NHL player, and it would come in front of Islanders fans on home ice.

The NHL announced earlier this month that the 2027 All-Star Game will feature a five-team tournament consisting of Canada, the United States, Finland, Sweden and a World team. Each roster will carry nine skaters and two goaltenders, with fans selecting the majority of each team through voting later this season.

NHL.com's projected Canadian roster features a mix of established superstars and emerging talent, including Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Sidney Crosby, Cale Makar, Connor Bedard, Macklin Celebrini, Mitch Marner and Brandon Hagel alongside Schaefer.

The publication noted Schaefer's inclusion wasn't based on the event being held at UBS Arena. Instead, the panel viewed the Islanders defenseman as one of Canada's top players entering the season and one of the faces of the league's next generation.

For Schaefer, another strong season, and let's be honest, the fact that the game will be played on Long Island, would likely solidify that standing.

While the projections are certain to change before fan voting opens in December, the early recognition reflects how quickly Schaefer has become one of the NHL's premier young defensemen after his historic rookie campaign. If selected, the All-Star Game would give Islanders fans another opportunity to watch their franchise cornerstone perform on one of hockey's biggest stages, wearing Canada's colors in the building he now calls home.

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