First Impressions: Matthew Schaefer
A new breed
Setting aside the “way too early” disclaimer, WOW.
2025 first overall pick Matthew Schaefer headlined what was by and large viewed as a weak—or at least below-average—draft class, yet the defenseman’s first three NHL games suggest he could single-handedly bolster its perception. We might be glimpsing something special.
Islanders head coach Patrick Roy seems to agree, as the 18-year-old began the season as the LD3 only to average the highest ice time on the entire team within a week. From a stylistic perspective, he’s also…kind of breaking the position.
Here’s how.
Even if you haven’t watched the rookie live, you’ve probably heard about his skating through the grapevine. His stride is long, powerful and clean—like that of a seasoned sprinter on ice—allowing him to catch up to or pull away from opponents in a flash. Tracking data indicates that he’s sitting on the sixth-fastest top speed among blueliners in 2025-26.
His top gear is indeed excellent, but what really pops is the frequency with which he reaches it. Look at the chasm separating Schaefer from his peers in 20+ mph bursts:
This lead would be remarkable for any player. It’s downright absurd for a first-year defenseman to be skating circles around his competition. As you might expect, his wheels are most visible in transition, where he’s already as impactful as any rearguard on the planet:
Just three games into his career, he’s assumed the mantle of primary puck-carrier on the Isles’ breakout. While his speed puts defenders on their heels, he combines it with a talent for misdirection, coaxing opponents into leaning one way before exploding in the other. As odd as it sounds, there’s some Jack Hughes in the way he dances through the NZ.
There’s still work to be done after he accesses the OZ, though. He occasionally struggles to advance past this stage, either stalling out along the wall or forcing a play into traffic. Changing the point of attack by linking with teammates or circling the net would establish a sturdier “halfcourt” foundation.
The fascinating aspect of Schaefer’s transition play occurs off puck. When defenders hope to clog his puck-carrying space, he dishes and just books it north-south:
Give-and-gos are nothing new, right? Now watch where he’s initiating these exchanges and how long he commits to them. He routinely partakes in extended setups (5-10 seconds) that originate in the DZ and end near the OZ slot. Where 99% of D-men would turn away once it becomes clear that they won’t enjoy a touch prior to, say, the offensive blue line, Schaefer keeps his foot on the gas until he breaches your doorstep.
His ability to jam the puck down your throat as a carrier and recipient presents quite a dilemma for opponents. Let him swing into a drop pass, and he’ll carve you apart. Try to deny him the puck, and his sharp pathing will uncover a race to the OZ for a later touch. His blitzes also generate ample real estate for his teammates to slip into as trailers.
Schaefer may have the greenest light that any rookie defenseman has ever seen. He’s not a mere support player waiting for a numbers advantage to activate. He operates as though his club is chasing a lead from the opening puck drop, running go routes over and over again. Defensemen simply don’t play like this—and it’s been equal parts thrilling and bewildering to watch. Perhaps a model for future speed demons.
There’s plenty of substance to accompany his style. Entering play on Thursday, the winless Isles owned 58.6% of the shot attempts and 55.4% of the scoring chances during his 5-on-5 shifts. The highest marks on the back end by a comfortable margin.
Bad news for the opposition: Schaefer’s balls-to-the-wall approach persists in the OZ. One particularly effective pattern has been his high interplay with Mathew Barzal (NYI 13):
NYI’s 1C has been begging for a partner in crime who can skate and think like him, and his prayers have been answered. When they enter a two-man game, Barzal and Schaefer are fond of overlap action that sucks defenders into the pivot in order to push the D-man downhill.
The center—an elite skater himself—recognizes when to use the blueliner as a decoy too, the pair weaving circle upon circle to capture your attention and manufacture a quality touch on the weak side.
In terms of puck play, Schaefer possesses dual-threat talent yet has leaned into his shooting early on:
He’s partial to the wrister (11 of his 13 shots) and identifies good opportunities to whistle his bids through traffic. As he gets his reps in, he’ll likely add more pre-release movement to keep opponents guessing. Incorporating one-timers would benefit NYI’s offense. There have been a couple of instances where a shorter time to attack would have fared better than catch and release (e.g. on royal-road setups).
Regardless, you’ve gotta love the fact that the kid is a willing shooter. Many young puck-movers are gunshy, but again, he’s more tip of the spear than facilitator. The numbers speak volumes:
None of this is meant to insinuate that he’s a poor passer. He has an eye for mid-range targets and delivers the puck at a catch-/shot-friendly weight. His current shooting bias could stem just as much from personal preference as the absence of a top-end finisher (apologies to Bo Horvat, Kyle Palmieri, etc.). Without such a piece in place to develop his playmaking profile, Schaefer pulling the trigger is often the correct choice.
One area that’s ripe for growth is elusiveness at the point:
When there isn’t a shot available but he does have a cushion in front of him, he sometimes settles for a rim or D-to-D pass to a partner who has less space to work with. He doesn’t claim as much good ice as he could. And the thing is, we know he can:
Moving with his pickup would broaden his options and grant him additional room to set defenders up in 1-on-1 engagements. He doesn’t need to put on highlight-reel displays, though. At the right point, simply shuffling a few feet inside on his backhand-to-forehand catch (a Thomas Harley specialty) can make a world of difference. You have to wonder whether he has some mohawk in his bag of tricks as well. That, in concert with his quickness, could turn the faintest crack into a massive leak.
Shifting over to the defensive side of the equation, Schaefer is very much a member of the new school. NZ pressure reigns supreme:
He cuts aggressive angles near the OZ blue line to smother exits, will cross over to the other side of the rink to halt your progress at center ice and can surf puck-carriers into dead ends without breaking a sweat. Much like in every other phase of the game, he brings the fight to you rather than greeting you in his backskate.
Since he doesn’t fear the prospect of forwards beating him to the outside, he can maintain firm inside-out stick position. You’re therefore limited to suboptimal plays (dump-ins or low-percentage passes through sticks and bodies).
Once you’ve persuaded opponents to surrender possession, tidy retrievals are a must. Schaefer lacks a bit of polish in this department:
Under forechecking heat, the rookie’s handle and decision-making can get sloppy. Familiarizing himself with NHL speed should produce a sharper internal clock, enabling him to scan for pressure and outlets pre-pickup. On top of that, filling out his frame (6’2”, 186 lbs) with another 5-10 pounds would better prepare him for board play without compromising his wheels.
Finally, there’s DZ coverage. This is his biggest weakness at the moment:
Schaefer is constantly looking to convert defense into offense via his active stick, which means he does tend to puck-watch. This becomes an issue when you factor in his inconsistent check attachment, as he’ll hunt for takeaway opportunities while neither containing slot targets nor standing close enough to challenge puck-carriers.
It bears repeating that he’s barely 18. There will be growing pains. As his processor and body mature, he should strike a finer balance between guarding the slot and playing on his toes. He’s so fast that he doesn’t have to cheat for offense. It’ll come to him.
On the off chance that he never improves his DZ play, his overwhelming offensive habits could still propel him to franchise-player status. Three points in three games, sure, but the manner in which he’s registered them cannot be ignored. His sheer dedication to tempo and volume can govern the tide of the game on its own.
Scott Niedermayer’s name has been tossed around as a comparable. That…doesn’t feel accurate. Schaefer plays faster than any defenseman in the world and ranks second at the position in shot attempts. As a rookie. He pushes a maniacal pace that the Hall of Famer could have never dreamed of.
In lieu of a three-zone pillar, I’d label him as a high-octane destabilizer who sends shivers down the opposition’s spine while bringing fans out of their seats.
What a sea change for the Islanders.
Should his leash stay out of sight, maybe for the position as a whole.
schaef resparked a fire in barzy that has been so exciting to watch. mat plays with so much emotion that he can get sometimes get lost if the vibe isn't right. mini matt has so much pure rookie joy and a brain that clearly works as fast as barzy's, they are a formidable pair.
Schaefer’s got a ton of potential. His game is only going to improve with experience. I would like to see him use his speed to create separation and allow the play to develop a bit more before taking a shot or making the first pass that feels right.