When the New York Islanders stepped up to the podium at the 2025 NHL Draft, they didn’t just select a defenseman — they chose resilience.
Matthew Schaefer, an elite two-way blueliner from Ontario, was taken No. 1 overall this past June. At 6-foot-1 and loaded with skills that include smooth skating and crisp passing, Schaefer checks every box for a franchise looking to make the playoffs this season and be relevant again.
But his game is only part of the story. The 17-year-old endured a year that would shake anyone – overcoming mono and sustaining a broken collarbone at the 2025 World Junior Championships. It also included the deaths – just months apart – of his mother and his billet mom. On draft night, he kissed a pink breast cancer ribbon stitched into his Islanders jersey.
Schaefer models his game after Cale Makar, but his mentality may be even more important to the Isles’ rebuild. Now, as he eyes his first NHL training camp, I caught up with Schaefer at the annual NHLPA Rookie Showcase, co-sponsored by Upper Deck, at the MedStar Capitals Iceplex near Washington, D.C.
What’s your main goal heading into your rookie season?
I want to be on that opening night roster, so still lots of hard work to do. It’s every kid’s dream to put on an NHL jersey and I’m going to put it on New York Island Jersey. It’s pretty cool. I mean, I love the orange, white and blue, so, I feel good in it. I feel amazing in it and it’s pretty cool.
Yes, definitely. I think the biggest thing is to tell them that I’m no different than anyone else. “I’m just like any other kid. In my school, kids used to always come up to me and ask me to sign stuff. I was like, “I don’t know why you guys want me to. I’m in English class like you guys.” Treat me like everyone else.
Aside from the hobby focus, do you feel more pressure being the top pick?
Yes, there’s always going to be pressure. I love playing the game of hockey and I want to be in the NHL and I’ll do whatever it takes to be there and be at my best. Obviously, I know there’s going to be a lot of things that I’m going to learn and there’s going to be adapting things that I got to do.
What did you work on during the summer?
Bettering my game on the ice. Getting back in the gym. Once you get on the ice a couple times you get right back in a groove of things.
What are your thoughts about being at the Rookie Showcase and hanging out with other rookies and prospects?
This is something like a sort of a palate cleanser ahead of the stress that’s going to come with training camp and the season. I mean, this is pretty cool. Obviously, it’s one of the chiller weeks you have in the summer. So, yes, it’s good. You get to be with guys you know, be with some of the guys you’ve played with or played against.
How excited are you about getting your own rookie card?
It’s pretty cool.
Did you collect cards as a kid?
Me and my buddies would always trade cards, I know a lot of guys who were into it. I was definitely into it. It’s pretty cool to see yourself on a rookie card. It’s surreal. You would never think that maybe someday you’d be on a card — and then it becomes real.
You’re going to play for Patrick Roy. Are you excited about that?
I heard he loves to win and I heard he’s a great coach. I’ve spoken with him and he’s been awesome to me. I can’t wait to get ready with training camp. I heard he was, you know, really good back in the day and everyone loves talking to him. I went to the Upper Deck office and there was just stuff of his all over. You know, his goalie pads and all that stuff.
Early on in the season, the Islanders face Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin. Excited to face them?
A lot of people have been telling me about that. I mean, I got to look at the schedule quickly, but, like I said, I’ll focus day-by-day, one day at a time.
Are you prepared to stop Ovechkin’s shot?
I think I might have to put some extra padding on. I mean it’s definitely going to hurt, but I mean, it fits to help the team, I will.
Clemente Lisi is a lifelong Rangers fan who first started collecting cards in 1986. He collects both vintage and modern with a focus on rookie cards. Follow him on X/Twitter @ClementeLisi.
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