Notable NY Islanders detester is changing his tune due to the emergence of Matthew Schaefer

Whether it’s his rivalry with NY Islanders legend Butch Goring or his disdain for the team's “boring” style of play, Paul Bissonnette, part of the NHL on TNT panel and the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, has made his disdain for the organization known.

There haven’t been many bright spots for the NY Islanders through three games, but Matthew Schaefer is turning heads. With three points in three games and playing over 26 minutes in two of those games, the young defenseman will even have Bissonnette tuning into Islanders games. 

Biz is singing a new tune

“Matthew Schaefer is worth the price of admission,” Bissonnette said on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast. “Like, that makes me want to watch Islander games. You touched on it, he played 26 minutes the other night as a f****** 18-year-old D-man.”

With top defensive prospects in the past, it has typically taken a few seasons for defensemen to adapt to the speed, size, and strength of the NHL game. Schaefer has shown no issues with any of the above, but it is a long season. He hasn’t played much hockey over the last year, and he’ll need to withstand the bumps and bruises over the course of 82 games.

But Patrick Roy is showing no reluctance in using his newest defenseman, and Bissonnette agrees with Roy’s philosophy.

“What’s the term? Don’t put the reins on the horse, let them run,” said Bissonnette, who has always had a way with words. “Like that’s what has to happen with this kid. Let him f******* play. Let him play, let him play, let him play. And they’re going to have a future Norris candidate.”

It seems as if Schaefer really does have everyone rooting for him.