The NY Islanders should consider bringing an enforcer into the lineup to protect Matthew Schaefer

It’s been a dying breed across the NHL over the last few years, but some organizations still find it necessary to keep an enforcer in their lineup.

As the game has gotten faster with many fewer fights, many organizations don’t want to waste a spot in the lineup for someone who’ll play around seven minutes while spending five minutes in the penalty box.

But the NY Islanders might want to consider becoming a team with an enforcer in their lineup to protect their prized possession.

Time for the Isles to bring in an enforcer

Matthew Schaefer has been the talk of the league since making his debut, and he must be protected at all costs.

Over the last two games, a blowout win over the Detroit Red Wings and an OT loss yesterday to the Philadelphia Flyers, the opposition made sure they were physical with Schaefer early and often. At the conclusion of Thursday’s game, Mason Appleton of the Red Wings got into it with Schaefer in the dying moments of the game, resulting in the Islanders' cavalry rushing to his side. Yesterday, Garnett Hathaway of the Flyers looked to take a piece of Schaefer every chance he got, between and after the whistle, resulting in Mayfield dropping the gloves.

With Mayfield as the only experienced fighter in the current lineup, sending a defenseman to the box for five minutes isn’t exactly ideal. 

Out in San Jose, the Sharks still have Ryan Reaves in the lineup, protecting their young stars in Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and now Michael Misa. 

There aren’t many out there in today’s game, but the Islanders should consider bringing in an enforcer. Whether that involves moving an experienced NHL fighter or signing one who can be used when needed, it’s certainly not the worst idea, depending on the opponent.

Unfortunately, Schaefer’s new billet dad, Matt Martin, can’t drop the gloves anymore., or this wouldn't even be a story.