Former Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer is expected to suit up for the New York Islanders’ Oct. 30 game at Carolina.
The Islanders selected Schaefer, who turned 18 last month, with the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NHL draft. The game against the Hurricanes would be his 10th for the four-time Stanley Cup champions.
It also would end the tryout portion of Schaefer’s entry-level contract.
The NHL permits teams who sign teenage players to send them back to their junior team if they compete in nine or fewer games. Once that player appears in a 10th game, provisions of his mandatory three-year contract become official.
Schaefer, who turned 18 last month, fits that criteria. However, the Hamilton, Ontario, native left New York with few to no reasons for them to ponder such a move over his first eight games.
Schaefer recorded two goals and five assists throughout the Islanders’ 4-4 start. His plus-minus rating was 3-plus over that span.
Steven Ellis, who covers hockey for dailyfaceoff.com, wrote in an Oct. 27 article that said Schaefer should already be considered a Calder Trophy nominee as the NHL’s best rookie.
“The Islanders could have easily sent him back to Erie to get 25 minutes a night,” Ellis said, “Or even sent him to college to get stronger. But sometimes, the best education can be found on the battlefield — a head-on collision with danger. Schaefer’s teammates, coaches and just about everyone who followed him the past half-decade know how fearless he is.”
Coincidental or not, Ellis’ “collision” reference tied into the reason Schaefer’s tenure with the 2024-25 Otters prematurely ended. He never again played for them after he suffered a broken collarbone during Team Canada’s appearance in last December’s IIHF World Junior Championship.
The Islanders, despite Schaefer’s injury and extended absence, were still confident enough in his potential to take him first in June’s NHL draft.
Schaefer also was chosen No. 1 overall for the OHL’s 2023 draft.
Already on record pace
Ellis’ Oct. 27 article also pointed out that Schaefer’s seven points after eight games has him on pace to break Phil Housley’s NHL record for points in a season by an 18-year old rookie defenseman. The seven-time NHL all-star, recorded 66 for the 1982-83 Buffalo Sabres.
Hall of Famer Ray Bourque holds the league record for career goals (410) by a defenseman.