"The New York Islanders rookie defenseman was named the NHL's rookie of the year, becoming the first unanimous Calder Memorial Trophy winner in 33 years. Every single one of the 198 Professional Hockey Writers Association voters put Schaefer first on their ballot, making him the first rookie to sweep the voting since Teemu Selanne did it in 1992-93."
"Schaefer lived with the Martins last season, making the moment feel even more personal. And then Schaefer made it about family. A tearful Schaefer dedicated the award to his late mother, Jennifer Schaefer, who died of breast cancer in 2024. "We've had some tough losses, but it hasn't stopped us as a family," Schaefer said. "We've gotten a lot closer. This definitely means a lot.""
"On the ice, Schaefer's rookie year was historic. He finished with 23 goals and 36 assists for 59 points, breaking Phil Housley's record for points by an 18-year-old defenseman. He also tied Brian Leetch for goals by a rookie defenseman. But Schaefer's impact went beyond the box score. His energy, personality and confidence changed the entire feel around the Islanders."
"For a franchise that needed a jolt, he became exactly that. The Islanders faded late in the playoff race, but Schaefer's season was bigger than one standings finish. It was the arrival of a franchise player - and now, officially, the NHL's best rookie."
Matthew Schaefer won the NHL’s Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year, becoming the first unanimous winner in 33 years. All 198 Professional Hockey Writers Association voters placed him first, a feat not achieved since Teemu Selanne in 1992-93. He received the trophy during an appearance on Good Morning America with family members present, including his father, brother, and former Islander Matt Martin and Martin’s daughters. Schaefer dedicated the award to his late mother, Jennifer Schaefer, who died of breast cancer in 2024. On the ice, he recorded 23 goals and 36 assists for 59 points, breaking Phil Housley’s record for points by an 18-year-old defenseman and tying Brian Leetch for rookie defenseman goals. His energy and confidence shifted the Islanders’ atmosphere and signaled the arrival of a franchise player.
Read at Eyes On Isles
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]