Schaefer Delivers Quick Impact for Islanders in EDGE Stats Analysis

Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer is making significant strides for the New York Islanders in the early part of the 2025 season. His performance has not only caught the attention of fans but also placed him among the leaders in NHL EDGE statistics.

Schaefer’s Historic Start in the NHL

Matthew Schaefer, chosen as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, has quickly made his mark. At just 18 years and 34 days, he became the youngest defenseman to ever compete in an NHL game. He also made history by scoring points in each of his first five games.

Notable Rankings and Stats

• Ranks eighth among NHL defensemen in shot attempts with 41.
• Shares eighth place for shots on goal, totaling 15.
• Contributed to eight of the Islanders’ 16 goals this season, second only to Bo Horvat.

Ice Time and Impact

Schaefer made his debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 9, logging 17:15 of ice time. He followed with 26:04 during his home opener against the Washington Capitals on October 11, and 26:35 against the Winnipeg Jets on October 13. He stands out as one of only three rookies since 1997-98 to record a point, four or more shots on goal, and over 26 minutes of ice time in consecutive games. The other two players are Moritz Seider and Alex Ovechkin.

Speed and Skill Highlights

One of Schaefer’s standout attributes is his skating speed. He ranks tied for ninth across the NHL for speed bursts exceeding 20 mph, with a total of 28. His speed is unmatched among defensemen, surpassing renowned players like Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes, who each have played an additional game. Schaefer’s max skating speed of 22.70 mph, achieved against the Jets, is among the top ten speeds recorded by defensemen this season.

Reasons Behind Schaefer’s Success

Despite the Islanders’ start of 2-3-0, three main factors contribute to Schaefer’s impressive performance:

• Speed: His ability to accelerate quickly makes him a formidable presence on the ice.
• Consistency: Delivering in scoring and assists during his first few games sets a strong foundation.
• Defensive Skills: His defensive capabilities help maintain his position as a key player for the team.

Matthew Schaefer’s early success places him as a strong contender in the Calder Trophy race, reflecting the promising future ahead for this talented rookie. As the season progresses, fans eagerly anticipate what more he will bring to the ice for the Islanders.