TSN radio show debates if NY Islanders would trade Matthew Schaefer for any NHL stars

It’s the kind of debate that would’ve sounded ridiculous a year ago, but now it's one that at a sports bar or during intermission of a game, could last 10, 15 minutes or perhaps longer.

On TSN’s OverDrive, host Brian Hayes and Jonas Siegel of The Athletic kicked around a hypothetical that speaks volumes about just how valuable Matthew Schaefer has become to the New York Islanders: How many NHL players would you actually trade him for right now?

The answer? Shockingly or maybe not so shockingly few.

As Siegel explained it, this thought exercise originated when he was sitting next to Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun in the press box during the Maple Leafs game against the Islanders on Tuesday night.

“I said over/under 10,” said Siegel. By the time names were thrown around, the list barely reached seven—and even that felt generous. At the very top, of course, was Connor McDavid, the only truly unquestioned yes. “Of course I would,” said Hayes, even acknowledging the absurdity of trading an 18-year-old with limitless upside.

From there, things got complicated.

Established superstars like Nathan MacKinnon and Leon Draisaitl made the cut—but with hesitation. Age matters. Schaefer is 18. Those players are nearing or at 30. The conversation shifted and evolved from “who’s better now?” to “who gives you the next decade?”

When Macklin Celebrini entered the discussion, it wasn’t even clear there was a right answer. “You could argue he’s number one trade value,” Hayes said. If Celebrini is untouchable, then Schaefer—just one year behind—can’t be far off. The pair marvel at the numbers of Nikita Kucherov, but when age is factored in, having him on the list becomes not a sure bet.

Then there’s Quinn Hughes, a Norris-level defenseman in his prime. A safer bet today, but maybe not tomorrow if Schaefer hits his ceiling—something the panel openly projected could include 80-point seasons and elite two-way dominance.

That’s the crux of it: projection vs. certainty.

The Islanders aren’t just holding a great young player. They may be holding one of the most valuable assets in hockey—a player so promising that even the league’s biggest names come with caveats in a one-for-one deal.

And that’s why the number is so low.

Because when you have an 18-year-old who might become anything, you don’t trade him unless you’re absolutely certain of what you’re getting back.

Right now, almost no one qualifies.