The New York Islanders rising star Matthew Schaefer has taken the hockey world by storm this season. He becomes the highest point-scoring defenseman by an 18-year-old. It is one of the most remarkable rookie campaigns in recent memory.

Matthew Schaefer has scored 58 points this season in 78 games so far. His numbers include 22 goals and 36 assists. It is the most points ever by an 18‑year‑old defenseman in NHL history.

His moment came in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes on April 04, 2026. He had an assist in the game, along with Barzal, helping Anders Lee score a goal at 18:23 in the third period. It was his 36th assist and overall 58th point in the season. 

Before Matthew Schaefer, the record was held by Phil Housley. While playing for the Buffalo Sabres, he recorded 57 points in 66 games in 1982-83. That includes 17 goals and 40 assists. He completed his rookie season before turning 19 in March that year. 

Apart from setting a new record by an 18-year-old, he is at No. 11 in the list of most points scored by a rookie. He is one goal away from matching Brian Leetch’s record of 23 goals for a rookie defenseman.

Larry Murphy still has the record for scoring the most goals by a rookie defenseman. He scored 76 points during the 1980-81 NHL season. 

From Junior To a Professional: A Look At The Transition of Matthew Schaefer

It is Schaefer’s first NHL season. The Islanders picked him No. 1 overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. He joined directly from junior hockey, which is uncommon but happens for exceptional prospects.

Schaefer’s season has been packed with milestones. Earlier in the year, he became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to score an overtime goal.

Earlier, he played in the CHL, specifically in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Erie Otters. In that league, he became one of the top junior defensemen and earned major recognition before turning pro.

Despite Schaefer’s historic season, the Islanders have battled inconsistencies as a team. His team is currently sitting at No. 3 in the Wild Card (Eastern) Division with 89 points. They are looking for a place in the playoffs and are still in contention. 

The Islanders’ next game is against the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 09, 2026. His performance has set a new benchmark for what an 18-year-old defenseman can achieve in the NHL.

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Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi