New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer is quickly building a reputation around the NHL as something every defense fears to see on the ice: a penalty-drawing machine.
According to statistician Eric Hornick, at just 18 years old, the Islanders’ rookie defenseman has already drawn 24 penalties this season — more than any defenseman in the league and second overall behind only Connor McDavid (25). Just as impressive is the other side of the ledger: Schaefer has taken only 10 penalties, giving him a +14 net differential, again second only to McDavid’s +17.