"The NHL.com Fantasy Staff, using NHL EDGE's advanced puck and player-tracking technology, has taken a deep-dive look into the early prowess of New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer - and the results confirm what Isles fans are already seeing with their own eyes: the 18-year-old is making an immediate impact on par with some of the best in the game."
"The stats go well beyond the fact that the the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft has become the youngest defenseman in League history to record a point in his debut (18 years, 34 days) and just the third 18-year-old blueliner to register points in each of his first three games, joining Phil Housley (1982-83) and Jakob Chychrun (2016-17)."
Matthew Schaefer, 18, became the youngest defenseman to record a point in his NHL debut (18 years, 34 days) and one of three 18-year-old blueliners to score in each of his first three games, joining Phil Housley and Jakob Chychrun. He ranks second among NHL defensemen with 13 shots on goal and has been on ice for five of New York's seven goals. He logged over 26 minutes in consecutive games while producing points and at least four shots, matching elite rookie performances since 1997. Tracking data shows 21 bursts over 20 mph, a 22.7 mph top speed, leading rookies in average ice time (23:18), high skating distance, increased power-play usage, and strong shot efficiency across ranges.
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