"He's a fantastic talent. He brings you out of your seat every night, said Team Canada GM Doug Armstrong. He's got maturity beyond his years on and off the ice. I was shocked by how quickly he worked his way into our conversations, and that's a credit to him. The Islanders are very lucky and hockey is very lucky to have a young player like him coming onto the horizon."
"Fewer miles, fewer risks, more development The Olympic stage is incredible, but it's also unforgiving. Extra games, extra travel, unfamiliar systems, and the emotional weight of representing your country can take a toll - especially on a teenager already handling massive NHL responsibilities. The Islanders are asking Schaefer to be the guy on their blue line right now. Staying put means more rest, more practice time, and more controlled development in a system designed specifically for him."
Matthew Schaefer is 18 and already logging top-pair NHL minutes while driving play and earning veteran respect. Missing the 2026 Olympics reduces travel, extra games, and unfamiliar systems, lowering injury and fatigue risk and allowing controlled development within the Islanders' system. Defensemen often peak later than forwards, so delaying international exposure preserves long-term growth and readiness for future Olympic contention. Being left off the roster can provide additional motivation to improve. Remaining with the Islanders provides rest, targeted practice, and game experience tailored to his role as a franchise defenseman.
Read at Eyes On Isles
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]