Matthew Schaefer Poised for Historic Achievement with Impressive Islanders Debut
Matthew Schaefer is making remarkable strides early in his NHL career. With just five games played, the 18-year-old defenseman recently made history. He registered a point in his fifth consecutive game during a matchup against the Ottawa Senators on October 18, 2025.
Historic Achievements for Matthew Schaefer
Schaefer’s development is noteworthy. He became the first defenseman aged 18 and under to initiate his career with a five-game point streak. His secondary assist on teammate Max Shabanov’s goal contributed to this milestone.
As Schaefer approaches his sixth game, he has a chance to tie Marek Zidlicky’s record for the longest points streak to begin a defenseman’s career. Should he secure a point on Tuesday against the San Jose Sharks, he would join the ranks of players with significant records.
Potential Record-Setting Streaks
- A six-game streak ties Marek Zidlicky’s record.
- A seven-game streak ties Alexandre Daigle’s record for players aged 18 or younger.
Despite a reduction in ice time in recent games, Schaefer’s potential continues to shine. His minutes were decreased from over 26 to under 23 in the last two games, but he was elevated to the Islanders’ top power-play unit during the last match against Ottawa. This change indicates the team’s growing confidence in his abilities.
During the recent game, which ended 5-4 in favor of the Islanders, the Senators aimed to disrupt Schaefer’s performance. Their physical approach limited his effectiveness at times, demonstrating the escalating recognition of his talent across the league.
Upcoming Challenges
Schaefer’s next challenge comes against the San Jose Sharks. This game marks the first time he will compete against Michael Misa, the No. 2 overall pick, along with Macklin Celebrini, last year’s top draft choice. Such matchups will test Schaefer’s skills against the best of his peers.
With a commitment to winning, Schaefer stated, “I just want to be there for the group of guys we have.” His determination and emerging talent suggest that he is capable of significant contributions to the Islanders and could soon become a household name in the sport.
