Matthew and Tavares got their first close-up look at the Islanders’ rookie phenom — and left UBS Arena convinced Matthew Schaefer is the real deal.
Auston Matthews and John Tavares have spent the better part of the last decade setting the standard in the NHL. Between them are scoring titles, All-Star appearances, and Hall of Fame–level careers. On Saturday night at UBS Arena, the two Maple Leafs stars got their first extended look at Matthew Schaefer — and came away with the same conclusion New York Islanders fans have already reached: the kid is special.