Matthew Schaefer is turning heads this season with the Islanders, and it's not just because he's the NHL's top rookie. At 18, he's already making a name for himself as one of the league's standout players.
Tuesday night’s matchup against Chicago at UBS Arena offers another chance to witness Schaefer's versatility. With Ryan Pulock sidelined due to a lower-body injury, Schaefer will once again switch to his off-side, pairing with fellow lefty Adam Pelech. He handled this role seamlessly in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over the Blue Jackets, showcasing an old skill from his minor hockey days.
Growing up, Schaefer often played on the right side due to the abundance of left-handed players, which he recalled fondly. “I always loved playing on my right,” he shared, though he adapted to the left in the Ontario Hockey League. Now, he feels at home on either side.
Schaefer’s immediate impact as the first overall pick contrasts with Anton Frondell, Chicago’s third overall pick, who’s taking a more traditional path to the NHL. Frondell spent the season with Djurgardens IF in the Swedish Hockey League, where he and Islanders prospect Victor Eklund formed a productive duo.
Frondell tallied 20 goals and eight assists, while Eklund added six goals and 18 assists. Eklund is set to join the Islanders next season, according to GM Mathieu Darche.
Frondell praised Eklund’s work ethic, noting, “He’s not that big, not that heavy, but he runs over guys.” After Djurgardens’ season ended, Chicago called Frondell to join the NHL squad, giving him a valuable taste of North American hockey. By next season, Schaefer could be in the Norris Trophy conversation as the league's top defenseman.
Reflecting on his journey, Frondell said, “It still feels like a dream being here,” acknowledging the challenge of adapting to veteran competition in Sweden.
Schaefer’s stats are impressive: 22 goals and 29 assists in 71 games, just one goal shy of Phil Housley’s rookie defenseman record. Last week, he became the youngest defenseman to reach 50 points in NHL history and set an Islanders’ rookie record with eight power-play goals.
His achievements come so frequently, it’s easy to overlook how extraordinary they are. In the win against the Blue Jackets, Schaefer logged a team-high 26:43, including the critical final minutes as Columbus pressed with an extra attacker.
Teammate Kyle MacLean noted Schaefer’s poise, saying, “It seemed like he was as comfortable as ever. He just does his thing out there, left side, right side, any situation. He’s electric.”
Frondell may one day earn similar praise, but for now, his inexperience highlights just how remarkable Schaefer’s season has been. Let’s not take that for granted.