Rangers legend Brian Leetch blown away by Islanders rookie phenom Matthew Schaefer

In an exclusive from New York Post beat writer Ethan Sears, Hockey Hall of Famer and New York Ranger legend Brian Leetch put into perspective just how extraordinary Matthew Schaefer’s rookie season has been — not just for Islanders fans, but for anyone who understands the position.

Leetch isn’t just impressed. He’s stunned.

“When he makes plays, I just shake my head, thinking where I was as an 18-year-old,” Leetch told The Post . “I needed that whole year… to be ready for the NHL. I was definitely not ready at 18.”

That context matters.

Because Schaefer isn’t just holding his own — he’s rewriting history. His 23rd goal of the season tied Leetch’s long-standing NHL record for goals by a rookie defenseman, a mark that had stood untouched since 1988-89. And with games still left, he’s on the brink of owning it outright.

Spoke to Brian Leetch about Matthew Schaefer, who tied Leetch’s record for goals by a rookie defenseman last night.

“When he makes plays, I just shake my head, thinking where I was as an 18-year-old.”https://t.co/gCiYoQ1vHM
— Ethan Sears (@ethan_sears) April 11, 2026

But even Leetch knows records like this aren’t meant to last forever. “It was the same as when Erik Karlsson went over 100 points,” Leetch said . “I was the last defenseman to have 100 points and it’s just a random thing… it brings an old guy’s name up… but it’s great.”

That perspective says everything. This isn’t about protecting legacy — it’s about recognizing the next wave. And Schaefer is leading it.

Leetch pointed to two traits that define Schaefer’s game: his skating and his confidence.

“His skating… jumps out at you,” he said. “And then the confidence he has with his play… he does not look like a deer in the headlights” .

Those traits have fueled a season that now includes franchise records, NHL milestones, and nightly moments that are starting to feel routine — even if they shouldn’t.

Rangers Brian Leetch gets the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP following game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals at Madison Square Garden June 14, 1994. The Rangers won the game 3-2 and the Stanley Cup. Rangers Win Stanley Cup | Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News

Behind the bench, the reaction is the same.

“For me… just wow,” said head coach Peter DeBoer. “He’s a really, really special player.”

Leetch sees what everyone is beginning to understand. “I’ll be watching him for the next, hopefully, 18-20 years,” he said . And if this season is any indication, there will be plenty more history to watch.

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