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“I want to win.”
Over his first three NHL games, Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer has been as advertised — and then some.
But while the 18-year-old has registered points in each of his first three games, one thing has eluded the No. 1 overall draft pick: a win.
Heading into Thursday night’s game against the Edmonton Oilers at UBS Arena, the Islanders are still searching for their first victory of the season at 0-3-0.
“I want to win,” said Schaefer. “I’m looking forward to just keep progressing and keep working hard. The biggest thing is I just want to win with these guys.”
A start to remember
Schaefer has already checked off a list of firsts — his first NHL point, his first NHL goal — and he’s already made league history along the way.
- With his assist on opening night in Pittsburgh, he became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to record a point in his debut
- His goal in Saturday’s home opener made him the third-youngest defenseman (18 years, 26 days) in NHL history to score
- He also became just the third 18-year-old defenseman ever to notch points in each of his first three career games
- According to NHL EDGE tracking, Schaefer is tied with Connor McDavid for fourth in the NHL in 20-plus mph skating bursts
Not a bad start for a teenager who just turned 18 on Sept. 5.
Oozing with confidence
From his pre-draft meetings to his first week in the league, Schaefer has shown poise well beyond his years.
“His confidence,” said head coach Patrick Roy. “It’s pretty to watch. He’s very confident. Obviously, his speed and his skills, but his confidence is the first thing I got in mind.”
That confidence has stood out to his teammates, too.
“Just the confidence and the poise he has allows him to use his skill and his skating,” said defenseman Ryan Pulock. “The first three games he’s been flying around the ice creating offense.”
Schaefer isn’t taking any of it for granted.
“You work hard for this point,” he said. “You keep working super hard and you get more confident as you go and you learn a lot of new things. It’s been awesome.”
Heavy minutes, veteran support
The Islanders aren’t easing their rookie into NHL life.
Schaefer logged 17:15 in his debut at Pittsburgh, 26:04 in the home opener against Washington, and 26:35 in Winnipeg.
“It’s awesome,” said Schaefer. “You just get put out there. I think any of our defense could have been out there. I was lucky enough it was me, but we have such a talented group of guys.”
Pulock has taken notice.
“He’s playing well defensively in all aspects of the game,” Pulock said. “He’s fit right in and he’s looked pretty dominant out there at times. Obviously, it’s a great start for him. He needs to keep building on that and I’m helping him out a little bit.”
Schaefer’s partner, Scott Mayfield, has also been guiding him through his first days in the league.
“He’s been awesome,” said Schaefer. “He’s been around. He knows what he’s doing and he helps me a lot. He’s taught me a lot of things.”
Next up: McDavid and the Oilers
To earn that elusive first win, Schaefer and the Islanders will need to contain Connor McDavid and the two-time defending Western Conference champions.
“Every game is exciting when you’re playing in the NHL,” said Schaefer. “We’re worried about that win and we want to get the dub.”
Schaefer has already had plenty to smile about since draft day — but that first victory might bring his biggest grin yet.
Fun note: The Oilers practiced on Long Island Wednesday, using the LIU men’s hockey team’s locker room.
🚨New signing alert🚨 👀🦈 pic.twitter.com/3hILyXBuuQ
— LIU Men’s Ice Hockey (@LIUMHockey) October 15, 2025
Top photo: ELMONT, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 11: 2025 First overall pick Matthew Schaefer #48 scores his first career NHL Goal , Celebrating, the game vs. the Washington Capitals at UBS Arena on October 11, 2025 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Sam Johnston /New York Islanders)
