The Matthew Schaefer effect will play a role in attracting players to the NY Islanders

A generational talent that we haven’t seen the likes of in decades at 18 years old as a defenseman, Matthew Schaefer has captivated the NY Islanders and the entire NHL in his rookie season. Selected first overall in this past summer's draft, the projections on Schaefer were that he could become a top-pairing defenseman, but nobody expected him to be what he’s become in his first NHL season.

Players like Schaefer don’t just change the fortunes of a franchise alone, they draw other players to them, because who wouldn’t want to skate alongside someone who has clearly made everyone around him better?

The Islanders' big splash at the trade deadline was acquiring Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues. Schenn had to waive his no-trade clause to finalize the deal, with Schaefer’s presence playing a role.

“The guys in this room speak very highly of him - not just as a player but as a person,” Schenn told reporters after yesterday’s morning skate. “When superstars in this league are great teammates and good guys, players want to be around them and want to come play with them."

With all the noise and attention Schaefer has garnered on and off the ice this season, it wouldn’t be unheard of for that level of praise to go to an 18-year-old's head. However, as we’ve seen throughout this season and even during the draft process, he has remained level-headed and mature beyond his years.

“You really don’t want to, you know, get mixed up in all the stuff,” Schaefer said. “I mean, a lot of it’s just noise at the end of the day. You know, people can say stuff and things like that, but you play the game because you love it. You have fun. You know, I’m just worried about what’s going on in this locker room… I don’t get caught up in all that stuff. People can say whatever they want, you know? But I’m just playing hockey because I love it.”

The superstar Schaefer is becoming could potentiallyattract other top players to play alongside him. As the Islanders continue their search for a top goal scorer, the Schaefer effect could have a major impact in the recruitment process.