Why Matthew Schaefer Is Running Away With the Calder Trophy

The Islanders drafted Matthew Schaefer to be a franchise defenseman. He has shown that and more through his Calder Trophy pursuit.

Bob Frid-Imagn ImagesWhen the Islanders drafted Matthew Schaefer first overall inJune, there were big expectations, expectations that the18-year-old has absolutely blown out of the water in his first 60 NHL games. Because of this, the Islanders find themselves in a playoff push, and the outlook of the franchise is at its best in years.

Now it is unfair to say Matthew Schaefer is the sole reason for the Islanders' success this season, but he is certainly at the top of that list. Entering the season, Montreal's Ivan Demidov was the odds-on favorite to win the Calder…