NY Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer makes history in NHL debut vs. Penguins

On a night he’ll never forget, Matthew Schaefer made NHL history. The 18-year-old defenseman not only debuted for the New York Islanders against the Pittsburgh Penguins but etched his name into the league record books by becoming the youngest defenseman in NHL history to record a point in his debut, registering an assist at 18 years, 34 days.

The previous record had stood for more than three decades, held by Scott Niedermayer, who notched a point at 18 years, 46 days on Oct. 16, 1991.

Schaefer’s milestone came fittingly, showing great vision and making a perfect pass to Jonathan Drouin in the slot to tie the game at 1-1. Overall, it was a strong first period for the rookie, as the top pick made smart reads, jumped into the play when needed, and looked every bit the part of a player ready for the moment. He certainly looked more than prepared for the moment.

With the assist, Schaefer became the ninth defenseman in Islanders history to record a point in his NHL debut and the first since Noah Dobson did so on Oct. 8, 2019. Only one blueliner in franchise history — Rich Pilon, who had two assists on Oct. 6, 1988 — has ever recorded multiple points in his first game.

The achievement adds to what’s already been a whirlwind start for Schaefer, who made the club’s Opening Night roster just months after being drafted. Head coach Patrick Roy praised the young blueliner’s maturity and “swagger,” saying earlier this week that he admired how Schaefer “kept his game simple” and never looked overwhelmed.

For an 18-year-old from Ontario, debuting against Sidney Crosby and setting a league record in the process, it was the perfect beginning to what promises to be a special NHL career.