Matthew Schaefer’s Olympic Aspirations Depend on Performance
Matthew Schaefer’s potential to represent Canada may hinge on considerations of faith and performance.
Team Canada coach John Cooper, present to oversee the Lightning’s game against the Islanders, pointed out that the main concern for Canada’s young hopefuls—Schaefer, Connor Bedard, and Macklin Celebrini—is the uncertainty they face. It’s about adjusting to the heightened speed and intensity expected at the upcoming Olympics in Milan, which was also evident during last year’s Quadrangle.
“There are numerous factors at play. The Four Nations can serve as a reference point,” Cooper explained. “What happens in the NHL doesn’t always translate there. Honestly, I never imagined I’d witness hockey that unfolds quicker than an NHL match. And it was significantly faster. Can these players step it up?”
However, no definitive answer exists. Schaefer, Celebrini, and Bedard haven’t experienced playoff hockey yet, which, while not their fault, remains the closest comparison to what they will encounter in Milan.
With eight defensemen to be chosen for the 26-player Olympic roster, Schaefer seems to have a solid shot. Still, he needs to demonstrate to Team Canada’s management—including Bruins GM Don Sweeney and Lightning’s Julien Brisebois, both regulars at Islanders games—his capability to navigate this leap.
Cooper acknowledged he doesn’t generally assess Team Canada while coaching, but he plans to keep a closer eye on Schaefer, who he hasn’t seen play live in the NHL yet.
“I saw Schaefer compete against his peers in Edmonton during an U-17 event, and he was exceptionally good,” Cooper remarked. “Now, it’s about seeing how he fares against the older players.”
It’s crucial to mention that this selection isn’t solely Cooper’s call; it’s up to a panel that includes managers like Doug Armstrong and Kyle Dubas, in addition to Brisebois and Sweeney.
“It’s quite remarkable that we’re discussing them in December,” Cooper added, appreciating the talent on the table.
In other news, Jean-Gabriel Pageau donned an orange non-contact jersey during Tuesday’s morning skate. This marked his return following an upper-body injury sustained ten days prior.
“We’re making progress,” Pageau shared before the Islanders’ victory over Tampa. “I’m feeling better each day. I’m hoping to be back soon.”
General Manager Mathieu Darche had earlier indicated that Pageau’s recovery could take two to three weeks, aiming for a return by Christmas, with the two-week mark hitting this Saturday’s game against Tampa.
