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He either makes the team or returns to the Ontario Hockey League until next year
When the Islanders open training camp next week at Northwell Health Ice Center, plenty of young players will be fighting for a spot on the opening night roster in Pittsburgh on Oct. 9.
But the spotlight will be on 18-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer — the club’s first overall draft pick this past June.
Most rookies don’t crack an NHL lineup right away. For Schaefer, who was still 17 when he was drafted and only turned 18 on Sept. 5, the challenge is even bigger.
“I look to improve each and every day,” Schaefer said after Thursday’s first rookie camp practice. “This is a step in the progress. When you’re on the ice and doing your thing, it’s pretty fun.”
A whirlwind summer
Since draft night, Schaefer has been busy — from flying in on the team charter, to skating in development camp, to tossing out a first pitch at Citi Field. He also trained with NHL veterans like Nazem Kadri of Calgary and Sean Monahan of Columbus.
“Every day, you have to go as hard as you can,” he said. “Everyone is fighting for a spot and you gotta leave it all out there.”
Those workouts helped sharpen his game. He says the key is avoiding bad habits like puck-watching and staying locked in defensively.
“You gotta be on your A-game all the time,” Schaefer said. “Obviously, you’re going to make mistakes, but you gotta limit those mistakes.”
The options ahead
Because of NHL rules, Schaefer can’t play in the AHL until he turns 20. That leaves two paths this season:
- Make the Islanders out of camp. He can play up to nine games before the team must decide whether to keep him.
- Return to the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League for another year.
Most expect the Isles will at least give him that nine-game look.
Is he ready?
Scouts are divided. Some believe Schaefer’s skating, poise, and maturity make him NHL-ready right now. Others think he’d benefit from another year in juniors.
Schaefer, for his part, feels close.
“I feel so much more ready,” he said. “On and off the ice, I’m working hard each and every day. I take it day by day and I’ll just keep working hard.”
He also doesn’t shy away from the expectations of playing in New York.
“Pressure is a privilege,” he said. “Not many kids get this opportunity. You just go out there and have fun.”
Finding home on Long Island
Schaefer has already fallen for his new surroundings.
“Everyone asks me all the time how do you like Long Island?” he said. “I love everything about it. I never knew much about it before. Everyone says they don’t know much, but once they come here, they never want to leave.”
Plenty of Islanders over the years have settled here full time. Schaefer sounds like he’s on that track.
Ready for the grind
Camp won’t be easy, especially going against established stars like Bo Horvat and Anders Lee. But Schaefer says he’s ready.
“It’s always going to be a grind on and off the ice,” he said. “Those guys want to beat you every time and you want to stop them every time.”
At just 18, Schaefer has a lot to prove — and the skillset to make it happen. Whether it’s nine games or a full season, fans are about to get a good look at the Isles’ future on defense.
Matthew Schaefer walks the red carpet during the NHL hockey draft on Friday, June 27, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
