Where NY Islanders’ rookie Matthew Scahefer ranks on the NHL’s top U-24 players list

When that No. 13 ping pong ball popped up on the night of the NHL Lottery, giving the NY Islanders the first pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Matthew Schaefer was the expected first overall pick. 

Also expected is that he’d be the cornerstone of the franchise, giving them an elite skating, play-making option along the blue line.

Schaefer is among the leagues top young talents

What was unexpected is that he’d become all of that in his first 21 NHL games. 

The current front-runner for the Calder Trophy, Schaefer has exceeded expectations, and aside from being considered the league's top rookie, he’s considered one of the NHL’s top young talents.

Each year, TSN unveils their NHL’s best U-24 players, with Schaefer coming in at No. 3 on this year's edition, trailing only Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard. 

“When you pick someone No. 1 (overall), you hope that he transforms your franchise,”  says Craig Button. “He has done this in 20 games.”

Tied for the most points among all rookies, Schaefer has recorded 15 points through his first 21 games, and his seven goals are tied with Cale Makar for the most among all NHL defensemen. 

“I think if Matthew was honest about it, he’d say he’s exceeded his own lofty expectations,” Button says. “But he has taken the league by storm. When you watch his ability to be settled in the game, to be confident in the game… Matthew Schaefer looks like he’s been in the league for years.”

Schaefer is still eligible for this list for another five seasons. Even though the two players above him are at some incredible talents, playing the best they have in their careers, if Schaefer continues on this upward trajectory, he could soon see himself in the top spot.