It’s looking like the New York Rangers will have a major thorn side in their side for years to come. That’s after Matthew Schaefer exploded on the NHL scene with a terrific all-around performance in his first preseason game with the New York Islanders on Sunday.
The No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, who turned 18 less than three weeks ago, drew rave reviews from far and wide after the Isles’ 3-2 shootout loss (in 11 rounds) to the Philadelphia Flyers at UBS Arena.
“He’s going to be one of, if not the best defensemen in the League, I think, based off his instincts,” Islanders center Mathew Barzal stated postgame.