"New York Islanders star rookie Matthew Schaefer's barnstorming start to life in the NHL is already catching the attention of the Canadian national team. The 18-year-old has reportedly been added to the Olympic drug-testing protocol, which makes him eligible to join the famed Team Canada for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina this February. Even being considered for Team Canada is remarkable for a talent that has spent less than two months in the NHL."
"No other defenseman in the league has scored more goals than the Hamilton, ON native. He became the youngest player in NHL history last week to score an overtime-winning goal (18 years, 70 days) on Nov. 14 against the Utah Mammoth. He is also the youngest defenseman in league history with a multi-goal game, doing so on Nov. 2 against the Columbus Blue Jackets."
"Granted, Canada's blue line is considerably crowded. At the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, which they won, the defense featured superstar Cale Makar, Josh Morrissey, Colton Parayko, Travis Sanheim, Shea Theodore, former-Islander Devon Toews, and Drew Doughty as an injury replacement for Alex Pietrangelo. Thomas Harley, Thomas Chabot, Evan Bouchard, and Jakob Chychrun are among other alternatives, as well. But Schaefer has significant international experience already."
Matthew Schaefer, 18, has delivered a remarkable NHL debut with seven goals and eight assists (15 points) in his first 20 games. He set records as the youngest player to score an overtime-winning goal (18 years, 70 days) and as the youngest defenseman with a multi-goal game. Schaefer was added to the Olympic drug-testing protocol, making him eligible for Team Canada at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Canada’s defensive depth includes established stars, but Schaefer brings extensive youth international experience, including gold medals at U17, U18, and World Juniors tournaments.
Read at www.amny.com
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