Matthew Schaefer Debuts with New York Islanders Against Pittsburgh Penguins

Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, will make his NHL debut with the New York Islanders on opening night against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 18-year-old defenseman earned his spot on the roster after a strong training camp and preseason, showcasing his skating and puck-moving abilities, and is expected to see power-play time in his debut. Schaefer, who had a limited season last year due to a broken collarbone sustained at the World Juniors, had impressive production with the Erie Otters, scoring seven goals and 22 points in just 17 games. Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche praised Schaefer's conduct and improvement throughout camp, highlighting his readiness despite the team's tough upcoming schedule. Schaefer's personal resilience is notable, having endured multiple family tragedies in recent years, which adds to his compelling story as a top prospect. The Islanders traded Noah Dobson earlier in the offseason, creating a defensive gap that Schaefer is expected to help fill, though his contract limits him to nine NHL games before burning a year of his rookie deal, a strategic consideration for the team.