NHL EDGE stats spotlight NY Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer's early impact

The NHL.com Fantasy Staff, using NHL EDGE’s advanced puck and player-tracking technology, has taken a deep-dive look into the early prowess of New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer — and the results confirm what Isles fans are already seeing with their own eyes: the 18-year-old is making an immediate impact on par with some of the best in the game.

The stats go well beyond the fact that the the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft has become the youngest defenseman in League history to record a point in his debut (18 years, 34 days) and just the third 18-year-old blueliner to register points in each of his first three games, joining Phil Housley (1982-83) and Jakob Chychrun (2016-17).

According to NHL EDGE, Schaefer ranks second among all NHL defensemen in shots on goal (13) and has been on the ice for five of New York’s seven goals this season. After playing 17:15 in his NHL debut, he logged 26-plus minutes in consecutive games, joining an elite list that includes Moritz Seider and Alex Ovechkin as the only rookies since 1997 to record a point, at least four shots, and over 26 minutes of ice time in back-to-back outings.

The tracking data also highlights his skating dominance. Schaefer’s 21 bursts over 20 mph tie Connor McDavid for fourth-most in the League and are 10 more than any other defenseman, including Cale Makar. His top speed of 22.7 mph ranks fifth among all NHL blueliners.

He leads all rookies in average ice time (23:18) and is in the 85th percentile for total skating distance, covering more than 10 miles across three games. His power-play time has surged, producing his first NHL goal from a high-danger area, while ranking among the top defensemen in long-, mid-, and close-range shot efficiency.

Despite the Islanders’ 0-3-0 start, Schaefer’s analytics point to a young player already driving play and controlling possession. His mix of composure, elite skating, and two-way impact has him emerging as an early favorite in the Calder Trophy race — and validating the Islanders’ faith and hope in their teenage cornerstone.