Connor McDavid spoke about New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer earlier than the Edmonton Oilers face them on Thursday. Schaefer was the primary general choose within the 2025 NHL Draft. The 18-year-old has one objective and two assists in three video games. His first NHL objective got here on the ability play in opposition to Washington.
Simply three video games into his NHL profession, Schaefer is already averaging over 23 minutes of ice time per recreation. So, clearly, the rookie blueliner has potential. McDavid identified the identical, saying he has a terrific character.
“First off, only a nice child,” McDavid mentioned on Wednesday. [2:09 onwards] “He is obtained a terrific character, brings a variety of vitality, and as a participant, clearly looks as if he is off to a terrific begin himself, which is nice to see. So yeah, nice participant and a great child.”
When requested if he had watched any of Schaefer’s early video games, McDavid mentioned he had solely seen some spotlight movies.
“Simply the highlights type of factor,” McDavid mentioned. “Have not seen an excessive amount of, however simply the highlights and clearly being attentive to how he is doing, and it looks as if he is doing rather well. “
Regardless of the Islanders’ 0-3-0 begin, Matthew Schaefer has been a optimistic signal. Followers at UBS Enviornment cheered loudly for him throughout the dwelling opener in opposition to the Washington Capitals, following his objective. Islanders coach Patrick Roy praised Schaefer, saying he was their finest participant within the recreation.
“He’s so good; he was our greatest participant on the market tonight,” Roy mentioned, by way of NHL.com, “… He’s thrilling to observe. If I’m a fan, I’ll pay to observe him play.”
Schaefer’s efficiency offers hope for the staff’s future.
Connor McDavid’s “solely recommendation” for Matthew Schaefer
Matthew Schaefer has impressed everybody together with his maturity past his age. Whereas providing recommendation on dealing with media consideration, McDavid praised Schaefer’s maturity and character.
“Yeah, you realize, there’s all the time one other man developing, one other man that is going first general, one other extremely touted participant,” McDavid mentioned. “And all people handles it otherwise.
“He is obtained a great head on his shoulders. He is obtained a terrific character. I feel he will just do high quality. My solely recommendation could be simply to take pleasure in it as a result of it goes actually, actually quick. It actually, actually does.”
Schaefer is mature past his age after enduring nice loss. He misplaced his mom, Jennifer, to breast most cancers in 2024. Her reminiscence drives him each day.
Beforehand, Matthew Schaefer honored his mother throughout the 2025 Draft by sporting photographs inside his jacket. The Islanders additionally added her initials to his jersey. He has grown right into a particular individual since then.
alt=”Ankit Kumar” top=”72″ width=”72″>
Edited by Ankit Kumar
