"According to statistician Eric Hornick, at just 18 years old, the Islanders' rookie defenseman has already drawn 24 penalties this season - more than any defenseman in the league and second overall behind only Connor McDavid (25). Just as impressive is the other side of the ledger: Schaefer has taken only 10 penalties, giving him a +14 net differential, again second only to McDavid's +17."
"How does he do it? Speed, deception, and confidence. Schaefer forces opponents into bad angles, beats them with his feet, and draws hooks, holds, trips, and reach-ins when defenders panic. Just as importantly, he avoids retaliation penalties - a rare trait for young players learning the league. For the Islanders, this isn't just a fun stat. It's power plays, momentum swings, and territorial advantage created by an 18-year-old who already bends games to his will."
At 18, Matthew Schaefer has drawn 24 penalties this season, the most among defensemen and second overall to Connor McDavid. He has taken only 10 penalties, producing a +14 net differential, again second to McDavid's +17. No Islanders defenseman has ever finished a season higher than +11; Schaefer exceeded that before midseason. His total already rivals franchise marks set by elite forwards and approaches Cale Makar's recent defenseman standards. Schaefer draws penalties through speed, deception, and positioning while avoiding retaliation penalties. The result is more power plays, momentum swings, and territorial advantage for the Islanders.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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