Matthew Schaefer’s message to Gavin McKenna was simple, and it came with the kind of perspective only another top pick can really deliver: take it in, but keep grinding.
In a recent Sportsnet interview, Schaefer said McKenna should “Just enjoy the ride and keep working.” That was the heart of it. Schaefer, coming off an impressive start with the New York Islanders, framed the whole thing as one of those moments you never forget once you’re in it.
He also dug into what it means to land in Toronto, where hockey is baked into daily life. Schaefer pointed out that if you grew up there, you already know the sport is everywhere.
The city has always been a tournament hub, and the spotlight that comes with it is part of the package. His advice was to feel that energy, enjoy it with family, and then get back to work instead of getting swallowed by the “big moment” talk.
That mindset tied into development, too. Schaefer said he started on the third pairing and earned his way up from there.
He and McKenna aren’t the same player, but the lesson lands the same way: early confidence matters, reps matter, and progress comes from believing in your game and staying at it. Schaefer also noted that McKenna will be figuring out how to fit in with new teammates and coaches, and he believes that kind of support can matter a lot.
Schaefer made it clear he was happy for McKenna, even while acknowledging the pressure that comes with that kind of landing spot. It’s a dream, sure, but it can also pull a player too far into the future if he’s not careful. Schaefer’s point was to stay present once the season begins.
There’s also a little extra juice for Schaefer personally, because he said the two are set to go head-to-head early this season. He called it a big moment, especially with it happening in Toronto right away, and said he’s hoping McKenna has a bunch of family there to help him soak it all in.
The message, in the end, was plain: enjoy Toronto, enjoy the moment with the people around you, and keep putting in the work so you’re ready when it matters.
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For now, the Islanders may simply hold the line and carry Palat through this season while they see whether his play can justify the commitment. There is at least an end point in sight, with Palat set to become a free agent next summer, so the team is not locked into this arrangement for the long haul. Still, until his value on the ice starts to look more in line with the cap number, the Islanders are going to have to work around a deal that does not fit especially cleanly. [Read more 🡒]