Matthew Schaefer
18-Year-Old
2025 Stats
G
1
A
1
PP Pts
1
+/-
1
PIM
0
ROS Projections
2025 Fantasy Outlook
The Islanders traded Noah Dobson to Montreal, but on the same day, New York used the No. 1 overall pick on Schaefer, who they hope will become his replacement. The youngster is a fantastic skater who can intelligently utilize that strength to play a strong two-way game. The defenseman missed most of 2024-25 due to a combination of a broken collarbone and mononucleosis, but he impressed when healthy, recording seven goals and 22 points across 17 regular-season outings with OHL Erie. With Dobson gone, Schaefer might enter 2025-26 as part of the Islanders' top four and play regularly with the man advantage. A 40-plus point rookie campaign isn't out of the question, but there is an element of risk when it comes to counting on a teenage defenseman to jump seamlessly from the junior level to the NHL, especially after missing most of his draft year. Read Past Outlooks
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Prospect
Signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Islanders in August of 2025.
Scores first career goal
Schaefer tallied a goal, had eight shots on net, and blocked a shot in Saturday's 4-2 loss to Washington.
ANALYSIS
The future of Long Island hockey has arrived, and his name is Matthew Schaefer. The No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft posted a breakout performance in just his second career game with solid category coverage. He stole the show in the third period, netting his first career goal on a power play. Not only was his stat line complete with eight shots and one block, but his ice time jumped from 17:15 to 26:04, a near nine-minute increase from his debut. The 18-year-old has seemed to gain more trust offensively with 2:40 of power-play time, which gives him a high ceiling for his rookie campaign. If Schaefer's first two games are any indication of what the rest of the season has in store for this year's top pick, he is set to be a great option on the fantasy blue line in all formats. Scoop him up off the waiver wire before it's too late.
The future of Long Island hockey has arrived, and his name is Matthew Schaefer. The No. 1 overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft posted a breakout performance in just his second career game with solid category coverage. He stole the show in the third period, netting his first career goal on a power play. Not only was his stat line complete with eight shots and one block, but his ice time jumped from 17:15 to 26:04, a near nine-minute increase from his debut. The 18-year-old has seemed to gain more trust offensively with 2:40 of power-play time, which gives him a high ceiling for his rookie campaign. If Schaefer's first two games are any indication of what the rest of the season has in store for this year's top pick, he is set to be a great option on the fantasy blue line in all formats. Scoop him up off the waiver wire before it's too late.
NHL Stats
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2025 NHL Game Log
2025
2025 NHL Game Log
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2025–26 Time On Ice Stats
- Average Time On Ice: 21:40
- Average Power Play TOI: 1:35
- Average Short-Handed TOI: 0:00
Ice Time
Power Play
Short-Handed
2025–26
21:40
1:35
0:00
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More Fantasy News
Earns assist in NHL debut
Schaefer recorded an assist in Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Penguins.
ANALYSIS
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Set for NHL debut
Schaefer will make his NHL debut against Pittsburgh on Thursday, Stefen Rosner of NHL.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Inks ELC
Schaefer signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Islanders on Monday.
ANALYSIS
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First pick overall at draft
Schaefer was the first overall pick by the Islanders in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on Friday.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Top-rated skater
Schaefer is the top-rated North American skater by NHL Central Scouting ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft, Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports Tuesday.
ANALYSIS
Schaefer was limited to just 17 games with OHL Erie this season but made every game count, racking up 22 points, including seven goals. The 17-year-old should be a first-round lock heading into the 2025 NHL Draft and could even be in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick. Still, fantasy players may want to temper expectations, as Schaefer will likely need a couple of years in the OHL to further develop, in addition to maturing even further in the minors.
Schaefer was limited to just 17 games with OHL Erie this season but made every game count, racking up 22 points, including seven goals. The 17-year-old should be a first-round lock heading into the 2025 NHL Draft and could even be in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick. Still, fantasy players may want to temper expectations, as Schaefer will likely need a couple of years in the OHL to further develop, in addition to maturing even further in the minors.