Matthew Schafer Makes Islanders Roster
Everyone seemed to understand the situation, allowing Matthew Schafer the room he needed to demonstrate his capabilities. Instead of rushing to make announcements about the 18-year-old, the Islanders opted for a more measured approach as they prepared for the season.
In fact, there was no uncertainty regarding Schafer’s place on the Islanders’ final 23-man roster submitted to the league on Monday.
It’s been 101 days since the Islanders selected him, and notably, discussions back then were filled with speculation about his readiness for the start of the season.
“He showed impressive skills during camp,” noted general manager Mathieu Darsh. “His skating stood out, but it was his overall performance that really made a difference. He improved notably over the course of camp, and you’d see it in his practices and games.” He emphasized how Schafer kept getting better each day.
“In his first game against Philadelphia, he was really up against the big names,” Darsh added. “Sure, he made a mistake early, but he didn’t let that faze him. Overall, he played well, and he’s earned his spot in the lineup for Thursday’s game in Pittsburgh.”
Schafer’s NHL entry-level contract includes a clause that permits younger players to return to junior leagues without using a year of their contract if they play nine games or fewer. Hence, reaching that ten-game threshold is crucial for him—this ensures he remains with the Islanders for the season. However, barring any significant setbacks, his inclusion seems practically inevitable.
Traditionally, it takes around 200 NHL games for a defenseman to fully develop. It’s interesting to note that in a league where first and second overall picks are often just 18, the last case of a top pick skipping that developmental phase was Owen Power in 2021.
Only four defensemen have played over ten games as an 18-year-old rookie: Gord Kruzak (1982), Roman Hamrik (1992), Aaron Ekblad (2014), and Rasmus Darling (2018). It seems almost a given that Schafer will join this list.
“Teams often safeguard their younger players in the NHL, managing their exposure,” Darsh stated. “But, as I’ve said, Schafer’s play will influence our decisions. He’s firmly on the team and will definitely be in the lineup on October 9th. That’s a given.”
Schafer will start on the third defensive pair alongside Scott Mayfield, which should give him the freedom to contribute offensively as well. His skating prowess was a highlight during the preseason, but he did make a few missteps in defensive situations.
Coach Patrick Roy shared his own experiences, recalling his early NHL days: “I started at 20, and there were moments when I lost confidence,” he reflected after a preseason game. “I don’t want him to feel that way. I encourage him to keep things simple and focus on his game.”
The Islanders have confidence that Schafer can manage not just his on-ice performance but also the pressures that come with being New York’s top draft choice.
Challenges await him soon, including matches against stars like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin in his first few NHL games.
“His skating, maturity, and ability to handle this stage at just 18 years old—especially in New York—are remarkable,” Darsh commented. “From our first meeting, I sensed he was ready. Now, we’ll begin the season and see how it unfolds for him.”
