"Nobody predicted Matthew Schaefer would be tied for the lead in points for the New York Islanders alongside Bo Horvat after six games. Schaefer now has seven points and two goals on the year, and in Tuesday night's win over the San Jose Sharks, he became the youngest blueliner in league history to score a game-winner. It's becoming a foregone conclusion that, if Schaefer stays healthy, the Calder Trophy is his."
"Do the math, and if Schaefer plays in all 82 contests, he's on pace to put up between 95 and 96 points. And compare that number to Lane Hutson, who won the Calder in 2024-25. Hutson impressed everyone, yet he finished the year with six goals and 66 points. And as good as Hutson will be for the Montreal Canadiens, early returns show that Schaefer will be even better."
"He already set several NHL records, and it's only been six games, like being the youngest blueliner to record a point in his debut, and the youngest player to cross the 25-minute mark in a game. Also, in Tuesday's win, Schaefer became the youngest player in the history of the New York Islanders to put up multiple points in a single game. All of these accomplishments will lead you to ask the burning question: If Schaefer played a full season in Erie in 2024-25, would he have been mentioned in the same sentence as Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini?"
Matthew Schaefer is tied for the lead in points for the New York Islanders alongside Bo Horvat after six games, with seven points and two goals. Schaefer became the youngest blueliner in league history to score a game-winner and has set several NHL records early in his career. He is on pace for roughly 95–96 points over an 82-game season, far outpacing recent Calder winner Lane Hutson, who finished with six goals and 66 points. Schaefer's production from the blueline increases his value relative to forwards, and no other rookie is matching his early impact.
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