"I don't think Schaefer's going, right? I just don't think he's going. If you look at the defense from the 4 Nations, I think Team Canada is really happy with a lot of those guys that went."
"Here's the thing I've heard. What did Team Canada prioritize last year? Guys who've won... and I think they're going to prioritize that again. They're going to be high-pressure games. Can you command your emotions and control yourself in big games? And you look at the D, a lot of those guys have played a lot of big games."
Matthew Schaefer, an 18-year-old New York Islanders rookie, has exceeded expectations with a breakout season that has put him into consideration for Team Canada's 2026 Olympic roster. Observers note his rapid development and strong impact on the Islanders' lineup. An NHL insider predicts Schaefer will likely miss the 2026 roster, arguing that Team Canada will again prioritize players with championship experience and proven composure in high-pressure games. The 4 Nations defense corps is cited as an example of that preference. Leaving Schaefer off the roster would reflect a focus on demonstrated big-game performance rather than youth alone. Bo Horvat is listed as another Islanders candidate for consideration.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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