Islanders rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer steals the present in opposition to Canadiens

MONTREAL — All eyes had been on Montreal Canadiens defenceman Noah Dobson as he was set to play in opposition to his former staff, the New York Islanders.

But Isles teen phenom Matthew Schaefer had stolen that highlight by the top of New York’s 4-3 time beyond regulation win on Thursday.

“I thought we fought so hard,” stated Schaefer. “It’s so fun playing with this group of guys. I love coming to the rink when all the boys are going to war. We’re all battling for each other.”

The 18-year-old rookie scored twice in a 55-second span late within the second interval to provide him 18 targets on the season.

Schaefer’s two targets allowed him to surpass Denis Potvin for essentially the most targets scored by an Islanders rookie defenceman. The Hamilton native additionally moved previous Phil Housley for essentially the most targets by an 18-year-old defenceman within the course of.

It’s simply the newest accomplishment in what has been a powerful rookie season for the primary total choose in final yr’s NHL Entry Draft.

Schaefer turned the youngest defenceman in NHL historical past, at 18 years, 34 days, to have some extent in his debut outing and the second-youngest at his place with a objective after scoring in simply his second NHL contest.

He would go on to document at the least some extent in his first six profession video games, tying Marek Zidlicky of the Nashville Predators for the longest such run by a rookie defenceman in NHL historical past as he captured Rookie of the Month honours for October.

Schaefer additionally holds the excellence of being the youngest defenceman to ever rating greater than as soon as in a recreation, besting the legendary Bobby Orr.

They are statistics, names and moments in time, nonetheless, that don’t appear to impress {the teenager}.

“I believe you just play the game of hockey because you love it,” stated Schaefer. “People bring things up to me, but I really don’t care. If things are meant to be, they’ll happen. For me, I’m just focused on this group of guys in here.

“I love playing with these guys.”

His teammates and head coach additionally love having Schaefer round for way more than his offensive prowess.

“He’s so mature for 18-years-old,” stated Jean-Gabriel Pageau, who scored the time beyond regulation winner for the Islanders. “You see him make defensive plays in the right spot and he makes good first passes. He wins his battles.

“Those are little details that go a long way. He makes a difference every night and we’re lucky to have him.”

Islanders head coach Patrick Roy agreed.

“I never doubt his IQ,” stated Roy. “The ability to find those shooting lanes, jump in and find those holes or lanes that allow him to bring pucks to the net, it’s impressive. I mean, I won’t lie, it’s fun to see. He’s a big part of our team.”

Pageau additionally credit Schaefer’s infectious power with galvanizing an Islanders staff at the moment combating for a playoff spot.

“He brings a smile in every day,” stated Pageau. “He comes in with a passion for hockey and to be better. He wants to be on the ice and have fun. He loves it and that’s contagious. That has brought great energy to our group.”

While Schaefer might not have been all too impressed along with his most up-to-date accolades, he was impressed by the raucous environment at Bell Centre in his first-ever recreation performed within the storied area.

“It was so cool,” stated Schaefer. “It was packed. They were doing the wave, they are yelling. It’s fun.”

Roy stated Canadiens followers had been lucky to get an early glimpse into what lies forward for the teenager.

“I’m happy that the Montreal fans were able to see the way he conducts himself,” stated Roy. “He’s so talented. I’m convinced he showed fans what kind of player he is.”


This report by The Canadian Press was first printed Feb. 27, 2026.

Jordan Stoopler, The Canadian Press