New York Islanders' Matthew Schaefer isn't short of admirers, with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman recently expressing his admiration for the teenage defenseman.

Schaefer had a splendid rookie season with the Islanders, establishing himself as among the team's brightest players. Yet to turn 19, his numbers and performances were crucial to the Islanders' bid for a playoff berth.

Despite a late slump derailing those plans, Schaefer's work hasn't gone unnoticed.

Bettman was impressed by how the defenseman carries himself on the ice. He gushed over Schaefer's professionalism and confidence, as the precocious talent made his mark in the league.

“When you look at Matt Schaefer, you can look at what he’s accomplished on the ice, which is a record for an 18-year-old defenseman,” Bettman told The New York Post.

Impressed by the player, Bettman was in disbelief over his age — indicating qualities beyond his years.

 “And you look at his maturity, his personality, the way he interacts with people," he stated. "It’s hard to believe he’s still only 18.” 

The commissioner's comments aren't without reason, as Schaefer could become one of the leading players in the league. His stardom seems to be growing as well, with Schaefer confirmed to grace the NHL’s 2027 All-Star Game at UBS Arena

The player is already involved in the NHL's marketing campaigns and was recently joined by former Islander Matt Martin's daughters in a video explaining the draft lottery.

While the Islanders missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season, Schaefer's rise on and off the ice paints a hopeful picture.

Matthew Schaefer’s Rapid Growth in the League

Matthew Schaefer finished his rookie season with 23 goals and 36 assists, notching up 59 points in 82 games. The young Islander's exploits earned him the 2026 Calder Trophy, which is presented to the most proficient rookie in the league.

Voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, Schaefer raced to the podium as the unanimous winner with 198 first-place votes.

Looking back, the Islanders certainly made the right decision in picking him as the No.1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.

Schaefer also tied the single-season scoring record for a rookie defenseman, matching Brian Leetch's tally in 1988-89.

The records pile on, as he is also the youngest defenseman in NHL history to reach 20 goals and 50 points in a season. Among rookies, he led in power-play goals (8) and stood third in plus/minus ranking (13).

Everything points to a successful career for Matthew Schaefer, and his team will be pleased with his trajectory. Fans will hope his potential will usher in an era of trophies for the New York Islanders.

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Written by

Aadhya Nalla

Edited by

Sijo Paul