Matthew Schaefer

18-Year-Old DefensemanD
2025 Fantasy Outlook
The Islanders traded Noah Dobson to Montreal, but on the same day, New York used the No. 1 overall pick on Schaefer, who they hope will become his replacement. The youngster is a fantastic skater who can intelligently utilize that strength to play a strong two-way game. The defenseman missed most of 2024-25 due to a combination of a broken collarbone and mononucleosis, but he impressed when healthy, recording seven goals and 22 points across 17 regular-season outings with OHL Erie. With Dobson gone, Schaefer might enter 2025-26 as part of the Islanders' top four and play regularly with the man advantage. A 40-plus point rookie campaign isn't out of the question, but there is an element of risk when it comes to counting on a teenage defenseman to jump seamlessly from the junior level to the NHL, especially after missing most of his draft year. Read Past Outlooks
Signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Islanders in August of 2025.
In record book already
DNew York Islanders
October 23, 2025
Schaefer was plus-2 in 25:14 of ice time Thursday against the Red Wings.
ANALYSIS
Schaefer's season-opening point streak ended at six games (two goals, five assists). It was tied for the longest point streak to start a career by a defenseman in NHL history.
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NHL Stats
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2025 NHL Game Log
2025
2025 NHL Game Log
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2025–26 Time On Ice Stats
  • Average Time On Ice:
    23:12
  • Average Power Play TOI:
    3:54
  • Average Short-Handed TOI:
    2:16
 
Ice Time
Power Play
Short-Handed
2025–26
23:12
3:54
2:16
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Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Matthew Schaefer See More
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Matthew Schaefer See More
More Fantasy News
Scores in win over San Jose
DNew York Islanders
October 22, 2025
Schaefer scored a goal and added an assist in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Sharks.
ANALYSIS
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Sets record with helper
DNew York Islanders
October 18, 2025
Schaefer notched an assist, two shots on goal and two blocked shots in Saturday's 5-4 win over the Senators.
ANALYSIS
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Extends point streak to three games
DNew York Islanders
October 13, 2025
Schaefer dished out an assist, had four shots on net and recorded a blocked shot in Monday's 5-2 loss to the Jets.
ANALYSIS
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Scores first career goal
DNew York Islanders
October 12, 2025
Schaefer tallied a goal, had eight shots on net, and blocked a shot in Saturday's 4-2 loss to Washington.
ANALYSIS
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Earns assist in NHL debut
DNew York Islanders
October 10, 2025
Schaefer recorded an assist in Thursday's 4-3 loss to the Penguins.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Power-play chances increasing?
DNew York Islanders
October 16, 2025
Head coach Patrick Roy told reporters Thursday that it's only a matter of time before Schaefer is the full-time power-play quarterback on the first unit, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports.
ANALYSIS
Schaefer has been up to the challenge early in the season, quickly emerging as the Islanders' top blueliner. He's been sharing power-play minutes with Tony DeAngelo, but Schaefer is trending up and could soon be a fixture on the top unit exclusively. That's great news for his fantasy managers, who have to be pleased with his four points, including two on the power play, over his first four NHL games.
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