"Schaefer eventually tied Brian Leetch for most goals by a rookie blueliner with 23. While it was too bad that he couldn't break the mark, it was still highly impressive."
"He set the bar astronomically high this year. You could really flip a coin between Matthew Schaefer and Sorokin as the Isles' MVPs this year."
"It's pretty clear that Schaefer had the most impact on the team this season. Yes, Sorokin kept the Isles in a playoff spot for much of the season."
"The question that remains is whether Schaefer can reprise his fantastic season in 2026-27. If he hits a sophomore slump, it could affect the team's performance."
Matthew Schaefer's rookie season with the New York Islanders was remarkable, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level. He tied the record for most goals by a rookie blueliner with 23 and was unanimously voted the 2026 Calder Trophy winner. Schaefer's performance was pivotal for the Islanders, prompting discussions about his candidacy for team MVP. While Ilya Sorokin also had a strong season, Schaefer's impact was significant, raising questions about his ability to maintain this level of performance in the following season.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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