The NHL’s next great franchise cornerstone debate already has a name at the center of it: Matthew Schaefer.
At just 18, the New York Islanders defenseman flashed the kind of impact that can change the way people talk about a rookie season. Taken first overall by the Islanders in the 2026 NHL Draft, Schaefer spent the year piling up records and racing toward the Calder Trophy while looking every bit like a player built for the long haul.
That’s why the question has gotten so interesting: if you were starting from scratch, who would you want first? Schaefer belongs in that conversation with the league’s brightest young stars, including Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard, plus established forces like Connor McDavid and Cale Makar.
Mike Johnson of the NHL Network made his choice clear, and Schaefer came close to the top of his list. Johnson said he would take only one player over Schaefer to start a franchise, and that player is Celebrini.
“He’s 18! If I’m starting a franchise, I’m going to have him for 20 years,” Johnson said.
"Two decades. Yes, he's 18, but he's so mature, and he's so charismatic.
He's a force that you are drawn to. He is a light that you are drawn to...
He's changed that franchise already. The proof is in the pudding.
He's already done it, and he's only going to get better... He's incredible as is, and he's only going to get better, which is terrifying for the rest of the league."
Johnson’s top five also included McDavid, Makar, and Quinn Hughes.
For Schaefer, the bar is already set after one season. He’ll be 19 for the 2026-27 campaign, and he’s going to carry a target on his back. But after playing all 82 games, he’s already shown the kind of poise and durability that suggest he can handle it.
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