NY Islanders star rookie Matthew Schaefer signs on with Tom Brady sportswear brand

Matthew Schaefer confirmed two things after Tuesday’s morning skate: he will be in the lineup against the New Jersey Devils, and his rising profile has officially gone beyond the rink. The Islanders’ 18-year-old phenom has signed on with NOBULL, the apparel company co-owned by NFL great Tom Brady.

For Schaefer, who said he face-timed with the GOAT, it’s the latest milestone in a season that has already placed him squarely in the national spotlight. Praise has poured in from across the hockey world — from stars and executives alike — but Brady’s endorsement marked a different kind of validation. In a video posted to NOBULL’s Instagram, Brady singled out Schaefer as the NHL player he would most want representing the brand.

“One player right now?” Brady said. “I talked to this kid Matthew. This young guy. He kind of has that eye of the tiger.”

That reputation has been earned on the ice. The first overall pick in last June’s draft leads the Islanders in ice time at nearly 24 minutes per game and ranks among the team leaders in goals, assists, and points. He’s already authored multiple history-making performances, including becoming the youngest defenseman in NHL history to record multiple two-goal games and the youngest player ever to score an overtime goal.

Schaefer’s two-goal night — capped by the overtime winner — in Saturday’s victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs was another reminder of how quickly he’s becoming appointment viewing. His play has helped push the Islanders into the thick of the Metropolitan Division race and has coincided with a surge in home attendance at UBS Arena.

Teammates have taken notice, too. Defenseman Adam Pelech praised Schaefer’s speed, competitiveness, and defensive commitment, noting that he’s already winning battles against the league’s best players.

As Islanders forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau put it, Schaefer represents “the new generation” of the sport — elite talent paired with modern star power. On Tuesday, Islanders fans get to see that firsthand again, and soon enough, wearing some Tom Brady-approved swagger as well.