Matthew Schaefer

Matthew Schaefer

18-Year-Old DefensemanD
New York Islanders
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
Signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Islanders in August of 2025.
Ties all-time rookie goal leader
DNew York Islanders
April 9, 2026
Schaefer scored a goal Thursday in a 5-3 win over Toronto on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Schaefer's dominant season continues. The goal is No. 23, which ties him with Brian Leetch (1988-89) as the all-time NHL rookie defenseman goal leader, and he's only 18 years old. Schaefer has 59 points, 108 blocks, 209 shots and a plus-16 rating. He already sits in a tie with Jakob Chychrun for 11th overall in scoring from the blue line.
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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:
    24:41
  • Average Power Play TOI:
    3:19
  • Average Short-Handed TOI:
    1:06
 
Ice Time
Power Play
Short-Handed
2025–26
24:41
3:19
1:06
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Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Matthew Schaefer See More
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Matthew Schaefer See More
More Fantasy News
Two more helpers Saturday
DNew York Islanders
March 29, 2026
Schaefer notched two assists, one on the power play, in Saturday's 5-2 win over Florida.
ANALYSIS
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Drives offense with two-point night
DNew York Islanders
March 27, 2026
Schaefer notched two assists in Thursday's 2-1 win over the Stars.
ANALYSIS
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Keeps marching toward history
DNew York Islanders
March 21, 2026
Schaefer scored a power-play goal on three shots, blocked two shots and went minus-2 in Saturday's 7-3 loss to the Canadiens.
ANALYSIS
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In exclusive company
DNew York Islanders
March 20, 2026
Schaefer scored his 21st goal of the season in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Senators.
ANALYSIS
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Ten points in last 10 games
DNew York Islanders
March 17, 2026
Schaefer put up a power-play assist in Tuesday's 3-1 win over the Maple Leafs.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Might go to Worlds
DNew York Islanders
April 15, 2026
Schaefer is considering going to the 2026 IIHF World Championship, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Schaefer played in all 82 games as a rookie this season, recording 23 goals and 36 assists, including 18 power-play points. It's possible the Isles would prefer the rookie phenom take some time to rest this summer, but he should be a lock for Team Canada if he is willing to play.
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