At just 18 years old, defenceman Matthew Schaefer isn't just making waves as the youngest player in the National Hockey League this season; he's already leveraging his newfound stardom to make a difference off the ice. The New York Islanders' first-overall pick from the 2025 draft sat down with Postmedia's Wes Gilbertson ahead of a game against the Calgary Flames at the Saddledome, offering insights into his whirlwind rookie campaign and his commitment to community initiatives.
A Meteoric Rise from Draft Day to NHL Stardom
Schaefer's journey from junior hockey to the NHL spotlight has been nothing short of remarkable. Selected first overall by the Islanders in Los Angeles on June 27, 2025, he entered training camp with a clear goal: to earn a spot on the opening-night roster. Not only did he achieve that, but his performance has also sparked Calder Trophy conversations and even put his name in the mix for Canada's 2026 Winter Olympics team, a prospect he describes as a tremendous honour.
"Very hectic," Schaefer said, summarizing the past few months. "It started from the draft... Every kid's dream is to get drafted to the NHL, and I was super honoured." He credited the Islanders' veteran players and coaching staff for helping him adapt, emphasizing his daily focus on improvement. "My mindset was just that they drafted me for a reason," he explained. "I just wanted to keep improving so I could stay up with the Islanders the full season."
Beyond the Blue Line: Championing Youth Hockey Access
While his on-ice exploits are turning heads, Schaefer is equally determined to use his platform for positive change. He has recently become an ambassador for the Kruger Big Assist program, a initiative dedicated to removing financial and systemic barriers for young athletes across Canada.
Since its inception, the program has donated over $1 million to local hockey associations, ensuring more kids have the opportunity to play the sport. Schaefer's role involves lending his star power to raise awareness and encourage nominations for deserving associations through the program's website, krugerbigassist.ca.
Embracing the Moment and Looking Ahead
Reflecting on the rapid trajectory of his career, from draft day to Olympic team consideration, Schaefer maintains a grounded perspective. "It's funny because I look back to the start of the season and I just wanted to make the NHL team," he said. "And then there's talks about the Olympic team. Everything has just been so awesome."
As he prepares for the constant grind of an NHL schedule, including high-profile matchups like the one against the Flames and the storied rivalry with the New York Rangers, Schaefer represents a new generation of player: one defined not only by elite skill but also by a conscious effort to impact the community that fosters the sport's future stars.
