"Everyone in the NHL universe is singing Matthew Schaefer's praises, and rightfully so. Schaefer's five points in five games with the New York Islanders, along with his 22:01 of average total ice time, are elite. But when you factor in the way he returned from playing in just 17 games in 2024-25, it's safe to say hardly anyone saw this early-season production coming."
"Friedman said, "He is not their best player, but he has made an immediate impact and he has breathed life into the franchise." That last part is huge. While there was talent on the New York Islanders even before Schaefer arrived, like goaltender Ilya Sorokin, defenseman Alexander Romanov, and forwards Simon Holmstrom and Mathew Barzal, nobody from that list has burst onto the scene like Schaefer in their age-18 season."
Matthew Schaefer has recorded five points in five games for the New York Islanders while averaging 22:01 of ice time, marking an elite early-season performance. Schaefer returned after appearing in only 17 games in 2024-25, making his production unexpectedly strong. Observers noted that Schaefer has made an immediate impact and "breathed life into the franchise." The Islanders possessed established players such as Ilya Sorokin, Alexander Romanov, Simon Holmstrom, and Mathew Barzal, but none has burst onto the scene like Schaefer in his age-18 season. Expectations should remain tempered given his rookie status and limited NHL experience.
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