It’s been so far, so good for New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who has lived up to his billing as the top overall selection in this year’s NHL Draft.
The Islanders, who won the NHL Draft Lottery despite having made the Stanley Cup Playoffs in five of the last seven seasons, chose Schaefer as the first overall pick. He has been anything but intimidated by his early experience in the top hockey league on Earth.
While the Islanders were defeated by the Carolina Hurricanes 6-2 on Thursday evening, Schaefer picked up his third goal of the season. Along with his five assists, he now has eight points so far in his young NHL career. In doing so, he also became just the second Islanders defenseman in the last decade—alongside Ryan Pulock in 2018—to register at least eight points in a single month.
Schaefer’s goal against the Hurricanes came on the power play, marking the first power-play goal (PPG) the Islanders had tallied in their last 13 attempts.
Looking ahead, Schaefer and the Islanders will next take on Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals on Friday evening. Ovechkin was selected first overall 21 years ago in the 2004 NHL Draft. Puck drop is scheduled just after 7:00 p.m. ET at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
### Matthew Schaefer Living Up to His Billing as Top Pick
Schaefer’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed around the league. Opponents have quickly learned to factor him into their game-planning when facing the Islanders.
“For an 18-year-old, playing defense isn’t easy,” Edmonton Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch said before a 4-2 loss to the Islanders at UBS Arena on October 16. “But Matthew is gifted as a smooth skater who can move the puck extremely well. He’s got great character and works hard.”
A native of Ontario, Schaefer was the first overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft by the Islanders after completing his second season playing for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He has also proudly represented Canada on several occasions, including at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and the 2025 World Junior Championships.
https://clutchpoints.com/nhl/new-york-islanders/islanders-news-matthew-schaefer-stays-hot-rare-feat
