NY Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer ready to take things to the next level in year two

Matthew Schaefer could probably be forgiven for spending the summer enjoying everything that came with one of the best rookie seasons in recent NHL history.

Instead, the New York Islanders defenseman is already focused on what comes next.

After taking the league by storm in 2025-26, Schaefer said he has used the offseason to learn, improve and prepare for an encore in Year 2.

“I’ve learned a lot this summer and I can’t wait to come in and show everyone,” Schaefer said. “I won’t have the same nerves I had in year one and know I can come in and be myself.”

If Schaefer was dealing with nerves as a rookie, it certainly did not show.

The 18-year-old finished with 59 points on 23 goals and 36 assists, leading all rookies in both goals and points while becoming the NHL’s first unanimous Calder Trophy winner since Teemu Selanne in 1992-93.

His 23 goals also tied the league record for goals by a rookie defenseman.

But of everything Schaefer accomplished, the milestone he takes the most pride in might be the least flashy.

He played all 82 games.

That durability was especially meaningful after Schaefer appeared in only 20 games during his final OHL season.

“I only played 20 the year before in the OHL, so playing all 82 was awesome,” Schaefer said. “Just coming into the season, all I wanted to do was make the team.”

By the end of the year, simply making the roster felt like a distant memory.

Schaefer had established himself as the centerpiece of the Islanders’ future and one of the NHL’s most exciting young defensemen.

Now comes the harder part. The league knows exactly what Schaefer can do. And after a summer spent studying, learning and growing more comfortable, Schaefer sounds ready to show there is another level coming.

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