PITTSBURGH — Matthew Schaefer’s NHL debut is set for Thursday night, and, well, it seems destined to mirror the experience of his head coach.
Patrick Roy recalled his own first game from back on October 10, 1985, admitting he was late because he didn’t know how to find the rink. “Isn’t that quite the start?” he joked.
In contrast, Schaefer enjoyed the convenience of a team bus, arriving well before 11 a.m., ahead of the Islanders’ morning skate.
Sitting amidst the media throng, he was joined by fellow newcomer Max Shabanov. Their connection to Pittsburgh is notable, as Schaefer previously played junior hockey in Erie.
Oh, and just to throw in some context—the last first overall pick from the Islanders was Connor McDavid. No pressure, right?
“It’s incredibly exciting,” Schaefer remarked. “I’ve always dreamed of playing in the NHL. But the work starts here. Honestly, it’s just another game. You just want to kick off the season and get on the ice. Getting that first shift is key. Just dive in and focus on the task.”
That’s the mindset the 18-year-old defenseman has maintained over the recent months, transitioning smoothly through the draft combine and training camp.
His humility shines through. He carries a level of confidence that’s not overwhelming. It’s easy to embellish a story, but I’m trying to keep it grounded.
This, along with his skill on the ice, is what made the Islanders confident enough to draft Schaefer first overall and start the season with him on the roster rather than send him back to Erie.
He’s mature beyond his years. The thought of facing Sidney Crosby didn’t seem to faze him.
“You’re not really starstruck,” Schaefer explained. “Of course, it’s cool to play against such gifted players, but we have a talented lineup ourselves. We’ve been training together for weeks, and we’re ready to step up.”
The buzz surrounding the Islanders this summer stemmed from various factors—most notably the incredible odds during the draft lottery, which unexpectedly granted them the number one pick.
Even before hitting the ice, Schaefer symbolized hope for a franchise that hasn’t claimed a Stanley Cup in over four decades.
“We want him to learn and be himself,” Roy noted. “We’re not going to alter his offensive talents, but he will need to adapt a bit—especially when it comes to the strength of players he faced in juniors compared to the NHL. That will likely be his biggest hurdle, but he’s smart, so I believe he’ll manage.”
Schaefer might not become an overnight sensation, yet Thursday’s game will come—regardless of whether he meets the high expectations people have for him.
He shared that around 30 family and friends would be cheering for him from the stands at PPG Paints Arena, and many plan to travel from Pittsburgh to New York for the Islanders’ home opener on Saturday.
“My dad is over the moon,” Schaefer said, describing his father’s excitement. “He can’t believe I’m playing in the NHL. It’s like he’s a kid in a candy store right now. We all know how much our parents have sacrificed—making sure we practice and pushing us along. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be here.”
