Matthew Schaefer’s Rookie Year Just Keeps Getting Better - On and Off the Ice
Matthew Schaefer is living the kind of rookie season most players only dream about. Not only is he making waves on the ice with the Islanders, but off the ice, he’s found himself in one of the most unique living situations in the league - bunking with veteran forward Matt Martin, Martin’s wife Sydney (yes, that Sydney - daughter of longtime WFAN host and Rangers die-hard Boomer Esiason), and their four young kids.
It’s a setup that’s become one of the more charming subplots of the Islanders’ season. And if you think living under the same roof as a vocal Rangers fan while playing for the Islanders sounds like a sitcom waiting to happen, you’re not wrong.
Schaefer, fresh off scoring in the Islanders’ 2-1 win over the Rangers at Madison Square Garden - a win that capped a 4-0 season sweep of their cross-town rivals - called into WFAN’s Boomer & Gio show the next morning. Naturally, the banter was flying.
“It’s definitely a love-hate relationship with me and Boomer,” Schaefer joked. “We battle a little bit. He doesn’t come around much because I think he's a little scared of the Islanders over here.”
That back-and-forth is part of the fun. Schaefer, still just 18 years old, has been embraced by the Martin household - and it shows.
“His daughter and Marty and the kids have done an amazing job of welcoming me into the home,” Schaefer said. “It’s fun to be part of a family and have younger siblings to be around.”
Boomer, never one to stay quiet, responded with a light-hearted jab of his own.
“The amazing thing is not many guys go from the ice against the Rangers in Madison Square Garden, then go home and watch Bluey,” he said. “And ride around on a scooter in the kitchen.
I’ve also seen you dress up in a blow-up Santa Claus outfit. You’ve made yourself totally at home.”
That homey vibe extends to road trips, too. Schaefer admitted that Sydney still packs his clothes for travel, and sometimes he comes back from games to find his bed already made. Not your typical NHL rookie experience - but then again, not much about Schaefer’s season has been typical.
On the ice, he’s making history. His goal against the Rangers was his 14th of the season, pushing him past Bobby Orr for second-most goals ever by an 18-year-old defenseman.
The only player ahead of him now? Hall of Famer Phil Housley, who had 17 for the Sabres back in 1982-83.
That stat alone puts Schaefer in elite company, but it’s the way he’s handling the spotlight - with poise, confidence, and a little bit of humor - that’s making him a fan favorite.
Even Boomer, despite his Rangers allegiance, couldn’t help but tip his cap.
“You’re a great kid. You get it,” he said.
“On the ice is one thing - it’s great. But you off the ice, especially with those girls, that just really makes me feel like I want to root for you.”
Of course, he couldn’t resist adding a little Rangers-fan twist: “Especially when we get you in a trade or free agency in a couple years.”
Schaefer’s response? Classic.
“No, I don’t think so.”
The rookie’s been ready for this rivalry from the jump. After being drafted No. 1 overall, he made it clear where he stood: “We’re going to beat the Rangers every time we play them.”
So far, he’s backed it up. Four games, four wins. And with the way he’s playing - and living - the future looks bright for both Schaefer and the Islanders.
And as for Boomer? He might just have to get used to seeing that Islanders jersey around the family dinner table for a long time.