"On a night he'll never forget, Matthew Schaefer made NHL history. The 18-year-old defensema n not only debuted for the New York Islanders against the Pittsburgh Penguins but etched his name into the league record books by becoming the youngest defenseman in NHL history to record a point in his debut, registering an assist at 18 years, 34 days."
"Schaefer's milestone came fittingly, showing great vision and making a perfect pass to Jonathan Drouin in the slot to tie the game at 1-1. Overall, it was a strong first period for the rookie, as the top pick made smart reads, jumped into the play when needed, and looked every bit the part of a player ready for the moment. He certainly looked more than prepared for the moment."
"The achievement adds to what's already been a whirlwind start for Schaefer, who made the club's Opening Night roster just months after being drafted. Head coach Patrick Roy praised the young blueliner's maturity and "swagger," saying earlier this week that he admired how Schaefer "kept his game simple" and never looked overwhelmed. For an 18-year-old from Ontario, debuting against Sidney Crosby and setting a league record in the process, it was the perfect beginning to what promises to be a special NHL career."
Matthew Schaefer, 18, debuted for the New York Islanders and recorded an assist at 18 years, 34 days, becoming the youngest defenseman to register a point in his NHL debut. The previous record belonged to Scott Niedermayer at 18 years, 46 days. Schaefer made a perfect pass to Jonathan Drouin to tie the game at 1-1 and showed strong reads and confidence during the first period. With the assist he became the ninth Islanders defenseman to record a point in his debut. He earned an Opening Night roster spot months after being drafted and drew praise from coach Patrick Roy.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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