NY Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer has added a dangerous new weapon to his game

Matthew Schaefer hasn't found the back of the net through the New York Islanders' first eight games of the 2026-27 season, but that doesn't mean the 19-year-old defenseman hasn't taken another significant step forward in his development.

In fact, the reigning Calder Trophy winner has added some serious firepower to an already impressive offensive arsenal.

According to Joe Pantorno of amNewYork, Schaefer has recorded the NHL's 11th-hardest shot this season, topping out at 95.81 mph. That's nearly two miles per hour faster than his hardest shot a year ago, which clocked in at 93.91 mph.

And it's not just one particularly impressive blast. Schaefer's average shot speed has jumped from 67.71 mph last season to 72.4 mph through eight games.

So what's behind the increase? Nothing particularly complicated. Just a teenager growing into his body.

Schaefer said that the added power comes primarily from physical maturity and time spent in the gym rather than any specialized shooting instruction.

He's also sticking with what works. Schaefer continues to use the same Warrior Covert QR7 Pro stick with a 95 flex, showing no interest in changing equipment that helped him become one of hockey's most exciting young defensemen.

For the Islanders, that's an encouraging development.

Schaefer was already a dangerous offensive weapon because of his skating, vision and ability to create opportunities from the blue line. Adding velocity to his shot gives opposing defenses another problem to worry about, particularly on the power play.

The goals haven't arrived yet, but the underlying numbers suggest it's only a matter of time.

And if Schaefer is already firing pucks close to 96 mph at 19 years old, imagine what that shot might look like as he continues getting stronger.

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