NY Islanders D Matthew Schaefer shares what he wants to become in five years

Matthew Schaefer has already given New York Islanders fans a glimpse of just how special he could become. His offensive instincts, elite skating and confidence with the puck have made him one of the NHL's most exciting young defensemen. But when Schaefer thinks about where he wants to be five years from now, becoming an offensive superstar isn't necessarily at the top of his list.

Appearing on TSN's OverDrive with Bryan Hayes, Jeff O'Neill and Jamie McLennan on Wednesday, Schaefer was asked what kind of player he hopes to become in five years.

"Hopefully still in the New York Islanders," Schaefer said before explaining his bigger ambitions.

"I just want to be an all-around player. I know I say I'm an offensive defenseman, but I want to be a shutdown defenseman. I want to shut down the top lines. And I mean, the offense is going to come."

"The biggest thing I worked on last year is just being really good defensively, ending plays quick, just making sure those top lines don't get any looks," Schaefer said. "You're going to play really good defensively and then the offense will come off that and the transition game."

For Schaefer, it's not about chasing points or individual recognition. It's about becoming someone the Islanders can count on in every situation.

"Every night I want to be one of the best players on the ice, in any way possible to help our team win," he said. "If it was blocking shots or doing whatever, I just want to help our team win."

And then there was one final thought that says plenty about his maturity.

"I just want to be an all-around player that can help our team win in any way and be a good leader and be a good person."

For an Islanders franchise hoping Schaefer becomes its cornerstone for the next decade, that's exactly the kind of answer you want to hear.

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