NY Islanders’ Schaefer receives Norris Trophy votes after historic rookie season

For most NHL rookies, simply receiving a few votes for the James Norris Memorial Trophy would be a notable accomplishment.

For Matthew Schaefer, it feels more like the beginning of something much bigger.

The New York Islanders star defenseman finished 12th in Norris Trophy voting following his historic rookie season, receiving three fourth-place votes and five fifth-place votes from the Professional Hockey Writers Association. While Schaefer was never expected to seriously challenge for the award this season, earning recognition among the league's elite defensemen at just 18 years old is yet another remarkable achievement in a year filled with them.

The 2025-26 Norris Trophy was ultimately awarded to Zach Werenski after the veteran blueliner put together the finest season of his career for the Columbus Blue Jackets. The other finalists were Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres, two players widely regarded among the NHL's best at the position.

The fact that Schaefer's name was included anywhere near that conversation says everything about the season he just completed.

After winning the Calder Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year, Schaefer finished with 23 goals and 59 points, setting multiple NHL records for an 18-year-old defenseman while transforming the Islanders both on and off the ice. His combination of skating, offense, hockey IQ and defensive maturity immediately established him as one of the league's most exciting young stars.

Perhaps the most encouraging part for Islanders fans is that this likely won't be the last time Schaefer receives Norris consideration.

In fact, it may end up being the lowest finish of his career.

Most defensemen spend years trying to break into the Norris conversation. Schaefer did it in his rookie season. If his first year was any indication, annual appearances on Norris ballots may soon become the norm rather than the exception for the newest cornerstone of the Islanders franchise.

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