NY Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer hits incentive bonus with latest milestone goal

The New York Islanders may have suffered a disheartening and disappointing 7-2 loss to the Utah Mammoth to start 2026, but Matthew Schaefer rang in the New Year by quite literally cashing in.

With his power-play goal on Jan. 1, the 18-year-old Islanders defenseman officially triggered the first performance bonus of his NHL career, earning a $250,000 incentive for reaching the 10-goal mark. It was a milestone few defensemen ever sniff, let alone one who is still a teenager and only months removed from being drafted.

At 18 years and 118 days old, Schaefer became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to score 10 goals, breaking a record previously held by Phil Housley, who reached the mark at 18 years and 320 days back in 1983. Schaefer was also the seventh-youngest player overall in league history to record 10 goals, with only three forwards since World War II accomplishing the feat at a younger age.

For context, most rookie defensemen measure success in ice time and survival. Schaefer is doing it on the scoresheet — and doing it early. Reaching a contractual bonus on Jan. 1 is impressive for any player. Doing it as an 18-year-old blueliner is borderline unheard of.

And yet, Schaefer barely cracked a smile afterward.

"You don't really think about things like that, said Schaefer after the game. "I always look to better myself in a lot of ways. It's definitely cool and an honor to be up there with such great names"

That response fits the player. Schaefer’s game has been defined by confidence without arrogance, production without shortcuts. His offense hasn’t come from cheating the play, but from reading space, jumping at the right time, and owning his shot — a weapon he worked to refine before turning pro.

For the Islanders, this is exactly what they envisioned when they made him the No. 1 overall pick. For Schaefer, it’s just another box checked, another reason to push higher. The bonus was nice. The history was nicer. And if the pace continues, it likely won’t be the last incentive Schaefer hits this season.