Top pick Mathew Schaefer swaps jerseys and takes advice from NY Islanders alums

For Matthew Schaefer, the New York Islanders’ first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, rookie camp has been about more than sharpening his skating stride or fine-tuning his defensive reads. It has also been about learning what it means to be a professional, and much of that comes from the mentorship of Islanders alumni and veterans who have made themselves present during camp.

Asked about guidance from Islanders alumni like Johnny Boychuk, Dennis Seidenberg, and Josh Bailey, the young player lit up describing how much their presence has meant.

“All those guys have brought me in right away and helped me to learn things I might not have thought of,” he said. “Johnny Boychuk even gave me one of his jerseys and I gave him one of mine. Anytime they give you advice, you want to take it, because they’ve done it before.”

Schaefer has already shown glimpses of why he was selected first overall — his skating, poise with the puck, and maturity beyond his age. But he is quick to acknowledge that off-ice support has been just as impactful in easing the transition to the NHL. Among those helping him most is longtime Islander Matt Martin, who retired this summer and immediately joined Patrick Roy’s coaching staff.

“It’s been pretty cool. I mean, I’ve always looked up to him,” Schaefer admitted. “I was a Toronto fan, so I got to watch him there growing up. He’s as classy as it gets—whether it’s inviting me over for dinner, letting me play with his kids. Honestly, I’d almost call him a big brother or another dad. He’s someone who’s always going to have your back no matter what. Whether it’s tough times or just needing a breath of fresh air, him and his family always make you feel welcome.”

That type of mentorship, coupled with the presence of figures like Boychuk and Bailey, reflects a clear shift in how the Islanders are cultivating their next generation. For Schaefer, it means stepping into a supportive environment where development is about more than minutes on the ice. It’s about learning how to be an Islander. “All those guys have brought me in right away and helped me to learn things that maybe I wouldn’t have thought of,” Schaefer said. “Anytime they give you advice, you want to take it, because they’ve done it before. It’s pretty cool to see them come out and help us.”