#matthew-schaefer

#matthew-schaefer

The San Jose Sharks take the team's first East Coast road trip of the season, and the first stop is a showdown between the top two picks of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. The Sharks will face the New York Islanders on Long Island this afternoon, with Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa both expected to play. Of the two, Schaefer is the standout. He is the youngest defenseman to open his career with a five-game point streak.

I just feel comfortable, the winger, who has a goal and three assists, said following the team's practice on Monday. I feel like I'm not thinking anymore on the ice, just playing my game.

Schaefer has been open about the loss of his mother to cancer, and how speaking about it rather than burying it has helped him heal. With his rise to the No. 1 pick and the attention that comes with it, he has chosen to use that platform. He has made it a priority to meet young kids who have gone through a similar loss - not for a camera, not as a charity date on a calendar, but because he understands the scar.

Making an NHL roster is a major accomplishment for anyone, but it is more special as an 18-year-old. What makes it even more momentous is being congratulated by your opponents. Matthew Schaefer was named to the NY Islanders opening night roster, and upon hearing the news, he heard from Chicago Blackhawks Captain Nick Foligno.

"Obviously so happy," Romanov said before making his preseason debut in Tuesday's 6-2 loss to the Devils. "But you got to prove that you're responsible to play at this high level for the next eight years. We're not only talking about this year, next year. All eight years." So what does that mean in practice? For Romanov, it's simple: "Just play hard. Hardest hockey I ever played. Go all out."

Ranking NHL prospects is completely objective, as each scout may see something in a player that another doesn't. There's no exact science to it, but one thing is for sure. Nearly everyone sees something special in NY Islanders prospect Matthew Schaefer. Schaefer, the first overall pick by the NY Islanders in the 2025 NHL Draft, has been ranked the top-drafted prospect in the league by Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff.

The NHLPA, in partnership with Upper Deck, announced that the 15th annual NHLPA Rookie Showcase will be held on Sept. 3 at Medstar Capitals Iceplex, the Washington Capitals' practice facility. Among the invitees are two New York Islanders: No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer and forward Marc Gatcomb. The showcase gives fans, collectors, and media an early glimpse at the NHL's next wave of talent, as Upper Deck gathers photos and video content of rookies for trading cards and memorabilia.