Matthew Schaefer wins Calder Memorial Trophy in emotional moment
Defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders has been awarded the NHL's top-rookie honor, which was presented to him through tears on Good Morning America.
Matthew Schaefer wins Calder Memorial Trophy in emotional moment originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The National Hockey League has announced that defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders has been named the the 2025-26 recipient of the Calder Memorial Trophy.
The award is presented annually to “the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the NHL. " Schaefer was selected by a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association members at the conclusion of the regular season. In a heartwarming twist, Schaefer was presented with his Calder Trophy on ABC's "Good Morning America" on May 13 with his family in attendance.
Both Schaefer and his father — Todd Schaefer — were seen bursting into tears. Matthew's brother, Johnny; and former Islanders player Matt Martin and Martin's two daughters were present for the big reveal, as Matthew lived with the Martins last season. Undoubtedly, part of the reason for all the emotion surrounding Matthew dedicated his win to his late mother, Jennifer, whom he lost to breast cancer in 2024.
"We've done a lot as a family. My mom's helped me and my family so much with everything. We've had some tough losses, but it hasn't stopped us as a family.