Matthew Schaefer Gearing Up for Second Act

After taking the National Hockey League by storm in his rookie year, Matthew Schaefer earned some well-deserved time off during the summer months. 

That time has been well spent, but all that’s been on the hockey-obsessed teenager’s mind is what he can do for an encore in year two. 

“I’ve learned a lot this summer and I can’t wait to come in and show everyone,” Schaefer said. “I won’t have the same nerves I had in year one and know I can come in and be myself.” 

If Schaefer was nervous during the 2025-26 season, he certainly didn’t show it. He produced 59 points (23G, 36A), leading all rookies in goals and points en route to being named the first unanimous Calder Trophy winner since Teemu Selanne in 1992-93. His 23 goals tied the NHL record for goals by a rookie defenseman. 

What Schaefer is most proud of from his rookie season, however, is playing in all 82 games, one of only four Islanders to do so. 

“I only played 20 the year before in the OHL, so playing all 82 was awesome,” Schaefer said. “Just coming into the season, all I wanted to do was make the team. Just growing as a player and being confident was the key to last year.”

Schaefer has been able to enjoy his summer to the fullest. An avid music fan, he attended four concerts this summer, ranging from country music to EDM performances, with one special evening standing out as his favorite. 

“When we went to Luke Combs, we got to meet him, which was awesome,” Schaefer said. “It was a really fun night with my friends and family.” 

Schaefer’s summer gave him a glimpse of another side of the hockey business while also allowing him to relive his draft night. 

Schaefer served as a guest analyst on Sportsnet’s draft coverage, where he interviewed prospects and served on a draft panel. While the experience was surreal and something he’d consider later in life, Schaefer is fine crossing that bridge when retirement comes — which he hopes is never. 

“I mean, hopefully I can play hockey forever,” Schaefer said. “It’s definitely all hockey right now.”

His last trip took him to the epicenter of the sports world, where he soaked in the New York Knicks’ comeback win in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, giving him another surreal sports moment. 

“That comeback was electric and was so cool to be there for,” Schaefer said. “They had a great run and it was cool to see for New York City.” 

The run also gave him an appreciation for some fellow New York talent. 

“[Jalen] Brunson’s obviously a stud,” Schaefer said. “I like [OG] Anunoby a lot, though. They all worked really well together, and when they were down, they never quit and could come back.” 

After seeing the Knicks win a title, Schaefer is excited to chase New York’s next ring. 

Training primarily in his hometown, Hamilton, ON, Schaefer said his goal for the summer was to put on muscle while continuing to hone his craft, two things he believes a player can always work on. 

“I think my defensive game can always get better and there are always things to improve on,” Schaefer said. “Whether it’s walking the line or just being better defensively, I’m always looking to improve.”

One benefit for Schaefer is the ability to work with a similar roster to last season. He noted how much the team’s defensive core helped his development, both on and off the ice. 

“They all took me under their wing last season and acted as father figures,” Schaefer said. “Whether it was taking me out for dinner or just showing me the ropes, it was nice knowing I had people that cared about me and that I could rely on.” 

One new asset Schaefer will have to rely on comes in the form of his bench boss. 

Pete DeBoer coached Schaefer for the final four games of last season and has a long history of coaching elite, puck-moving defensemen. For both the team and personally, Schaefer is elated to get to work with DeBoer and continue his growth. 

“He has the same mentality that we do and I really think he’s going to help me improve my game,” Schaefer said. “The one thing he’s missing is a Cup, and we want to do that here.” 

You can only keep someone like Schaefer away from competition for so long, and he’s ready to get back to work while building on the foundation he and his teammates laid last season. 

“It’s going to be an awesome year.”