Mike Sullivan Praises Rookie Matthew Schaefer
Mike Sullivan, who spent years coaching Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in Pittsburgh, has developed a keen eye for talent in the NHL. Ahead of the Rangers’ visit to UBS Arena, he shared his thoughts on Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick in this year’s draft.
“He’s definitely an exciting player to follow,” Sullivan remarked. “I think he’s only going to get better. He really has star potential.” He emphasized Schaefer’s impressive skating skills, noting that he’s a standout on the breakout and displays a strong aggressive style during rushes. Yet, remarkably, he still manages to support his teammates if he finds himself caught up in the action. “That’s a valuable trait for a defenseman, and I can see why the Islanders are thrilled to have him. And honestly, if he were on my team, I’d be pretty excited too.”
Schaefer is already making waves in the league, being a frontrunner for the Calder Trophy as the top rookie. In his first 37 NHL games, he’s accumulated nine goals—five of them from power plays—and 24 points, although he struggled recently, scoring just once in the last 12 games before the holiday break.
As a rookie, he also leads the Islanders in ice time, averaging about 23 minutes and 40 seconds per game. Sullivan is particularly impressed by the composure Schaefer demonstrates early in his career, highlighting his notable debut where he logged over 24 minutes against the Rangers in a win.
“This just shows his intelligence as a player,” Sullivan added. “I often liken it to football; even the best quarterbacks sometimes throw the ball away to avoid risky plays. As a defenseman, restraint is often wisdom. You can’t force plays that alter the team’s transition game negatively. It really shows his understanding of the game and the importance of making smart decisions on the ice.”
On the Rangers’ side, Braden Schneider has stepped up in place of the injured Adam Fox during December. Schneider found Schaefer’s performance quite remarkable, praising his speed and puck-handling skills, as well as his ability to manage significant responsibility at such a young age. “He’s taking it all in stride, which is impressive for someone at just 18. Jumping to this level is no small feat for anyone, and what he’s doing is genuinely special,” Schneider concluded.
