NY Islanders' rookie Matthew Schaefer is helping ignite the NHL's youth, as young players are becoming stars

The NHL has seen some incredible talents entering the league at a young age, but this year, it seems as if there isn’t just potential in these players; they’re now dominating the best league in the world.

NY Islanders’ rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer has been at the forefront of the league's youth movement, recording 11 points in his first 15 professional games. Though his production has slowed as of late, the 18-year-old is still on pace for a 60-point rookie campaign. 

Shaefer helping lead a new wave of young stars

Joining Schaefer among the league's top rookies is reigning Calder Trophy winner Lane Hutson. Now in his second season with the Montreal Canadiens, Hutson is tied for third in points among all blue lines with 13 through 15 games. 

Defensemen typically take longer in their development, making it uncommon to see a lot of younger players among the league leaders. Forwards, on the other hand, have been popping up among the league's top performers, with this year being no exception. 

As things stand, three of the top four point producers in the league are under 21 years old, led by Leo Carlsson and Connor Bedard, each with 25 points, followed by Macklin Celebrini with 24. 

While the Islanders are one of the older teams in the league among forwards, the organization finally has some high-end forward talent in its pipeline.

Cole Eiserman, who has missed time recently with a lower-body injury, is set to return soon and is considered one of the world's elite goal scorers not yet in the NHL. 

The league is becoming younger, and the Islanders finally have some prospects who can be among the next crop of great young players.