Schaefer’s Spittin’ Chiclets debut signals massive shift in NY Islanders culture

The Times They Are A-Changin' ...

The New York Islanders are trending upward, and there's a sense of hope and an upbeat spirit around the team heading into this season. The changes to the roster have been precise and practical, while the changes off the ice have been more drastic.

Further proof of that? Look no further than the fact that top overall pick Matthew Schaefer is a guest on Barstool Sports’ flagship hockey podcast Spittin’ Chiclets. This isn’t just another media stop—it’s a statement. Traditionally, under Lou Lamoriello, Islanders rookies and even veteran players kept quiet, stayed focused, and were rarely given opportunities to let their personalities come out during unscripted and controlled events. However, the franchise under Mathieu Darche is breaking that mold and leaning into maximum exposure for their players.

Spittin’ Chiclets, hosted by bombastic former NHLers Paul Bissonnette and Ryan Whitney, is the world’s top hockey podcast. Its informal, irreverent tone and candid players’ stories stand in stark contrast to the Islanders’ old-school “no drama” philosophy. Schaefer’s voice on the show marks a seismic departure: Long Island’s rising star, a 17-year-old, is now comfortable cracking jokes, opening up, and becoming a public-facing spokesperson.

This isn’t just a footnote in podcast land; it’s a strategic pivot by the organization. By giving Schaefer this platform, the Islanders are embracing modern media, humanizing their talent, and cultivating personalities that resonate with their fan bases. It’s a fast lane to modern NHL marketing for an organization fighting to be treated as a major market.

For Islanders fans, it’s something to be pumped about. Between embracing new media, spotlighting personal narratives, and forging a new breed of player PR, this marks a bold new era off the ice. Schaefer’s presence on Spittin' Chiclets isn’t just a media appearance; it’s proof that the Isles are modernizing, on the ice and off it.