Matthew Schaefer confirmed two things after Tuesday’s morning skate: he will be in the lineup against the New Jersey Devils, and his rising profile has officially gone beyond the rink. The Islanders’ 18-year-old phenom has signed on with NOBULL, the apparel company co-owned by NFL great Tom Brady.
For Schaefer, who said he face-timed with the GOAT, it’s the latest milestone in a season that has already placed him squarely in the national spotlight. Praise has poured in from across the hockey world — from stars and executives alike — but Brady’s endorsement marked a different kind of validation.