Schaefer and Gatcomb to represent the NY Islanders at NHLPA Rookie Showcase

The NHLPA, in partnership with Upper Deck, announced that the 15th annual NHLPA Rookie Showcase will be held on Sept. 3 at Medstar Capitals Iceplex, the Washington Capitals’ practice facility. Among the invitees are two New York Islanders: No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer and forward Marc Gatcomb.

The showcase gives fans, collectors, and media an early glimpse at the NHL’s next wave of talent, as Upper Deck gathers photos and video content of rookies for trading cards and memorabilia. This year’s roster features many of the league’s most highly touted prospects, including Schaefer, who was selected first overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, and Gatcomb, who earned a reputation for his hard-nosed play and steady two-way game in the Islanders’ system. Relatively unknown, the UCONN product scored eight goals in 39 games last season.

For Islanders fans, the spotlight will naturally fall on Schaefer. The 17-year-old defenseman has been training this summer alongside NHL veterans like Adam Pelech and Bo Horvat, looking to prove he’s ready for the jump to the NHL at training camp. His presence at the showcase alongside fellow top prospects like Zayne Parekh (Calgary Flames), Ryan Leonard (Washington Capitals), and Tij Iginla (Utah Hockey Club) underscores the expectation that he’ll be one of the faces of the league’s future.

Gatcomb’s invitation is also noteworthy, as it highlights the Islanders’ developmental depth. The 25-year-old has spent the past two seasons building his game in the AHL with Bridgeport, and the showcase marks another opportunity for him to gain visibility as he pushes for NHL minutes.

The event will feature 30+ top rookies, but for Islanders Country, all eyes will be on Schaefer and Gatcomb. Here is the full list: Frederic Brunet (BOS), Zeev Buium (MIN), Berkly Catton (SEA), Trevor Connelly (VGK), Ben Danford (TOR), Sam Dickinson (SJ), Karsen Dorwart (PHI), Jordan Dumais (CBJ), Jack Finley (TB), Marc Gatcomb (NYI), Konsta Helenius (BUF), Quinn Hutson (EDM), Tij Iginla (UTA), Joakim Kemell (NSH), Ryan Leonard (WSH), Oliver Moore (CHI), Alexander Nikishin (CAR), Jani Nyman (SEA), Zayne Parekh (CGY), Gabe Perreault (NYR), Francesco Pinelli (LA), David Reinbacher (MTL), Axel Sandin-Pellikka (DET), Gracyn Sawchyn (FLA), Matthew Schaefer (NYI), Beckett Sennecke (ANA), Jimmy Snuggerud (STL), Cam Squires (NJ), Matthew Wood (NSH), Brayden Yager (WPG), Carter Yakemchuk (OTT)