NY Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer Pulls Off First Unanimous Calder Win in 33 Years

Matthew Schaefer didn’t just win the Calder Trophy. He ran away with it.

The New York Islanders rookie defenseman was named the NHL’s rookie of the year, becoming the first unanimous Calder Memorial Trophy winner in 33 years. Every single one of the 198 Professional Hockey Writers Association voters put Schaefer first on their ballot, making him the first rookie to sweep the voting since Teemu Selanne did it in 1992-93.

For Islanders fans, that says everything about the season Schaefer just delivered.

The 18-year-old was surprised with the trophy during an interview on Good Morning America, with his father Todd, brother Johnny, former Islander Matt Martin and Martin’s two daughters there for the reveal. Schaefer lived with the Martins last season, making the moment feel even more personal.

And then Schaefer made it about family.

A tearful Schaefer dedicated the award to his late mother, Jennifer Schaefer, who died of breast cancer in 2024. “We’ve had some tough losses, but it hasn’t stopped us as a family,” Schaefer said. “We’ve gotten a lot closer. This definitely means a lot.”

On the ice, Schaefer’s rookie year was historic. He finished with 23 goals and 36 assists for 59 points, breaking Phil Housley’s record for points by an 18-year-old defenseman. He also tied Brian Leetch for goals by a rookie defenseman.

But Schaefer’s impact went beyond the box score. His energy, personality and confidence changed the entire feel around the Islanders. For a franchise that needed a jolt, he became exactly that.

The Islanders faded late in the playoff race, but Schaefer’s season was bigger than one standings finish. It was the arrival of a franchise player — and now, officially, the NHL’s best rookie.

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