Matthew Schaefer Signs 3-Year Entry-Level Contract with New York Islanders

A Rising Star from Erie

Schaefer’s journey to the NHL began with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where he showcased his potential as a dynamic, two-way defenseman. In the 2024-25 season, he recorded an impressive 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) and a plus-21 rating in just 17 games, despite missing the first nine games due to mononucleosis and the final 46 due to a fractured collarbone sustained on December 27, 2024, while playing for Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa. His 1.29 points-per-game average ranked third among OHL defensemen, earning him the Canadian Hockey League Top Prospect Award and the title of “Best Skater” in the OHL’s Western Conference coaches’ poll. Schaefer’s elite skating and playmaking, compared to Cale Makar by Islanders forward Mat Barzal, make him a projected top-pair defenseman.

Overcoming Adversity

Schaefer’s path to the No. 1 pick was marked by personal and professional challenges. He underwent surgery for his collarbone injury on December 30, 2024, and was cleared for contact by May 1, 2025, allowing him to fully participate in the Islanders’ development camp in July. Beyond the ice, Schaefer endured profound loss, with his mother, Jennifer, passing away from breast cancer in February 2024, and his billet mother, Emily Matson, dying in an apparent suicide in December 2023. At the draft, the Islanders honored his mother with a cancer ribbon and her initials, “JS,” on his jersey, a gesture Schaefer described as reflective of the organization’s “high-class” nature. His resilience and maturity have been praised by coach Patrick Roy, who noted, “I was very impressed with him,” after a dinner meeting.

Opportunity with the Islanders

The Islanders’ decision to select Schaefer came after a bold draft strategy, including trading defenseman Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens on June 27, 2025, for forward Emil Heineman and two first-round picks (Nos. 16 and 17), used to select forward Victor Eklund and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson. This trade opened a potential roster spot for Schaefer, who could see significant ice time as a left-handed, puck-moving defenseman. New York, which missed the playoffs in 2024-25, sees Schaefer as a cornerstone for their blue line, alongside veterans like Ryan Pulock and Alexander Romanov. General manager Mathieu Darche emphasized, “We drafted him because he’s an unbelievable hockey player,” highlighting Schaefer’s potential to quarterback the power play and contribute in all situations.

Path to the NHL

While Schaefer is determined to make the Islanders’ opening night roster against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 9, 2025, his age and limited game experience present challenges. Turning 18 on September 5, 2025, he is ineligible for the American Hockey League until age 20, meaning if he doesn’t secure an NHL spot, he’ll return to Erie for another OHL season. The collective bargaining agreement allows him to play up to nine NHL games without triggering the first year of his contract, giving the Islanders flexibility to evaluate him. Schaefer’s participation in Canada’s 2025 World Junior Summer Showcase and his performance at the Islanders’ Blue and White Scrimmage, his first game since the injury, signal his readiness to compete. “I want to play in the NHL this season,” Schaefer said. “I know there’s going to be a lot of hard work, but I think I’m ready.”

Fan and Team Support

Schaefer’s arrival has energized the Islanders’ fanbase, with 10,000 supporters celebrating his selection at the team’s draft party at UBS Arena. X posts reflect excitement, with fans noting his “phenomenal skating” and potential to fill Dobson’s void. Current Islanders like Anders Lee, Bo Horvat, and Mat Barzal have reached out with encouragement, while Schaefer draws inspiration from NHL stars like Connor McDavid, a fellow Erie Otters alum drafted No. 1 in 2015. Coach Roy’s mentorship, rooted in his Hall of Fame career, adds to Schaefer’s optimism. “He’s one of the best,” Schaefer said of Roy. “He’s such a great guy, too.” As Schaefer prepares for training camp, his humility and work ethic, praised by Roy as “very intelligent, very mature,” position him as a fan favorite and a potential star.

Looking Ahead

Schaefer’s signing marks the beginning of a new era for the Islanders, who aim to blend youth with experience to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. His international accolades, including gold medals at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and U18 World Championship, underscore his potential as a future All-Star, as predicted by NHL Central Scouting’s Dan Marr. While insider Dan Rosen cautions that rushing Schaefer’s development could be risky after his injury-shortened season, the Islanders are committed to supporting his growth. Whether he starts in the NHL or refines his game in Erie, Schaefer’s talent and determination make him a pivotal piece of New York’s future. As he put it, “I got the number, but I still got to work for a spot on the team.”

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer