It should be the first of many honors to come.
The NHL announced Thursday that Matthew Schaefer has been named Rookie of the Month for October, capping off one of the most jaw-dropping starts to a career we’ve ever seen on Long Island.
In his first 11 NHL games, the 18-year-old blueliner racked up eight points (three goals, five assists) while logging a rookie-best 22:21 of ice time per game. He led all first-year players in shots on goal (33) and power-play goals (two) — and, among all defensemen in the league, he’s tied for the lead in power-play goals and sits in the top 10 in points.