The buzz around Matthew Schaefer isn’t just growing - it’s exploding. In a city where hockey often plays second or third fiddle in the sports talk rotation, the 18-year-old Islanders defenseman has managed to break through the noise. When your name is dominating the airwaves from midnight until the early morning hours, you know something special is happening.
And make no mistake - Schaefer is that special.
The Islanders’ rookie phenom has quickly become the heartbeat of New York hockey this season, and maybe even the most talked-about athlete in the city right now. He’s not just producing - he’s rewriting history in real time, all while carrying himself with the kind of poise and charisma that makes fans believe they’re watching the start of something iconic.
After sweeping a home-and-home set against the Rangers - capped with a gritty 2-1 win at Madison Square Garden - the Isles completed a clean four-game season sweep of their biggest rival. Not only did they outscore the Rangers 14-3 across those four games, but they never once trailed. That’s not just a rivalry win - that’s a statement.
And, of course, Schaefer was right in the middle of it.
His second-period goal on Thursday night - a laser of a wrist shot with just over a minute left in the period - stood as the game-winner. That’s his 14th goal of the season.
Let’s pause there: 14 goals. As a defenseman.
At 18 years old.
That kind of production from the blue line isn’t just rare - it’s historic.
Islanders head coach Patrick Roy, who knows a thing or two about great defensemen, didn’t hesitate to draw a lofty comparison.
“It reminds me of the wrister by Ray Bourque,” Roy said, referencing the Hall of Famer he once faced and later played alongside. “Ray always kept it just above the pad, that was his thing. And now [Schaefer] seems to do the same thing as Ray.”
That’s not just praise - that’s reverence.
And the numbers back it up. According to team statistician Eric Hornick, Schaefer is already etching his name alongside some of the game's all-time greats:
- He’s passed Bobby Orr for the second-most goals ever by an 18-year-old defenseman. Only Phil Housley had more, with 17 back in 1982-83.
- He’s tied Tim Connolly’s franchise record for goals by an 18-year-old Islander and matched Vladimir Malakhov for the second-most goals by a rookie defenseman in team history. The only player ahead of him?
Hall of Famer Denis Potvin, who had 17 in 1973-74.
- With four game-winning goals, Schaefer has tied Rasmus Dahlin’s NHL mark for 18-year-old defensemen.
One more and he’ll join the likes of Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, Patrick Laine, and Nathan MacKinnon - all of whom had five game-winners as 18-year-olds, regardless of position.
- Those four game-winners also tie him with Potvin for second on the Islanders’ all-time list for defensemen in a single season.
The record? Six, also held by Potvin.
That’s the kind of company Schaefer is keeping - Orr, Potvin, Bourque, Gretzky. Legends. And to hear Schaefer talk about it, he’s not taking any of it for granted.
“Saying all those names, it's crazy because they're going to go down as some of the best defensemen to ever play,” he said. “Obviously, Potvin playing for the Islanders is pretty cool.
Everyone knows him. He's created a great legacy with the Islanders.
You don't really think about it that much but when those names pop up and you hear those names, it's an honor to be with those guys and see what they've done.”
There’s a humility there that’s easy to root for. But don’t mistake it for a lack of confidence.
From the moment he was drafted, Schaefer made it clear - he understood what it meant to wear the Islanders’ crest. He knew the Rangers rivalry wasn’t just another game. And now, four wins later, he’s not just participating in that rivalry - he’s owning it.
“Coming to play for the Islanders, I know there's that big rivalry,” Schaefer said. “Every game from here on out is a playoff game.
It's a big win for us. We want to beat them every time and we want to keep on doing that because I know it makes us happy.
I know it makes our fans happy and we get two points out of it, so it's fun.”
That’s the kind of mindset that turns a talented rookie into a franchise cornerstone.
And while the Islanders enjoy a rare off-day after that emotional sweep, they’ll head into Saturday night’s matchup against the Predators riding a three-game win streak and brimming with momentum. But make no mistake: this season is becoming less about streaks and more about a singular, rising star.
Schaefer isn’t just having a great rookie year - he’s building a legacy, one shift at a time.
And if you need proof of how much that matters in this city, just turn on the radio.