Matt Schaefer Empowers New York Islanders with a 4-2 Shutout Victory Over Ottawa Senators!

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer is the overwhelming favorite to win the Calder Trophy, the NHL's Rookie of the Year award. (Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Matthew Schaefer has every bit lived up to his billing as the first overall pick of the 2025 NHL Draft. The 18-year-old defenseman is the overwhelming favorite to win the Calder Trophy, the NHL’s Rookie of the Year award.

Through the New York Islanders’ first 65 games, Schaefer has 46 points (third), 20 goals, 24:07 average time on ice and 124 total shots. That ranks number one across the board in the latter three categories. Schaefer has earned the respect of his teammates and players across the league, with his teammate, captain Anders Lee, calling him a “complete stud .

” Lee said he has never played with anyone like Schaefer and said the “sky is the limit” for the 18-year-old rookie. “For me, it’s always team first,” said Schafer in a one-on-one interview. "It’s not you, it’s we.

I think that’s also a thing, it’s always a mentality we as a team we’re a team. When you’re part of that NOBULL (Schaefer is partnered with NOBULL, the sportswear company) and things like that, we’re a team. It’s a mindset that matches the hockey culture, too, and it’s just awesome because we we care about each other.