Roy wants Matthew Schaefer to have fun and play with swagger in NY Islanders debut

When head coach Patrick Roy was asked what it meant to see 18-year-old Matthew Schaefer make the New York Islanders’ opening-night roster, his answer came with both pride and perspective.

“I know how special it will be for him,” Roy said. “It was very special for me when I started my career — and it’s funny, because it was in Pittsburgh. My first start in my career was in Pittsburgh, and it’s the same thing for him. So I’m happy for him. He deserves it. He played hard, practiced hard. It’s the beginning of a new journey for him and for the Islanders organization as well.”

The message Roy plans to give Schaefer before Thursday’s game against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins is simple. “Have fun,” he said with a grin. “Just have fun.”

Roy’s appreciation for Schaefer’s maturity and confidence goes beyond the ice sheet. Asked what young players should watch when they see Schaefer take his first NHL shift, Roy pointed to qualities that can’t be diagrammed on a whiteboard.

“The thing I like kids to watch is his swagger — how confident he is on the ice,” Roy said. “For an 18-year-old playing with guys who have so much experience, to see that swagger, to see him moving the way he moves, that’s what you want from any young player. You want to see them go out, have fun with their friends, but have that swagger, that confidence, that trust in themselves that they can do it.”

For Roy, the debut represents more than just one game — it’s a symbol of what’s coming: youthful energy, belief, and the start of a new chapter for both Schaefer and the Islanders. "When you watch [Cale] Makar play, it’s exciting. I think Schaefer has that gift. Time will tell, but when I see him move with the puck, it’s exciting not just for me or the players, but I think our fans are going to have fun too."

We can only hope so.