As the New York Islanders prepare to face off against the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, the spotlight naturally shifts to the matchup between rising stars Matthew Schaefer and Macklin Celebrini. However, Schaefer took a moment to emphasize the importance of acknowledging his fellow 2025 draft class member, Michael Misa. Schaefer, who was selected first overall, has developed a close bond with Misa, picked second, and made it clear that Misa deserves recognition for his talents.
In a chat with reporters before the game, Schaefer spoke highly of Misa, stating, “I know Misa pretty well, trained with him over the summer a little bit, and obviously played against him quite a bit. I mean, he’s such a great player. They have a good team. Celebrini is really good, too. He’s done some great things. It’s gonna be a great matchup tonight.”
Misa has recently been making waves in the NHL, showing off his skills with five points, including three goals and two assists in his last five games as a centerman for the Sharks. Despite the pressures that come with their rookie seasons, Schaefer remains connected with Misa, offering support and checking in on his progress. “I keep in check with him a little bit. I’ll text him every once in a bit and things like that, see how things are,” Schaefer noted. “He loves it here. Obviously, the weather is nice too. It looks like he’s doing what he does best.”
Schaefer’s own performance has not gone unnoticed. His impressive play has led many to predict he will be a favorite for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year. Off the ice, Schaefer is credited with creating what has been termed the “Schaefer Effect,” as discussed by NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast. His exceptional personality, on-ice excellence, and commitment to team success have attracted free agents like Brayden Schenn to the Islanders.
Despite the growing attention and expectations surrounding him, the 18-year-old Schaefer maintains a level head, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the game itself. “You really don’t want to get all mixed up in that stuff. A lot of it’s just noise at the end of the day,” he explained. “People can say stuff, but you play the game because you love it. You have fun.”
With a strong sense of camaraderie in the Islanders’ locker room, Schaefer highlighted the joy of being part of the team. He shared how bonding activities, such as dinners together, reinforce their connection. “It’s so fun at the end of the day. You just want to stay grounded,” he added.
Schaefer’s maturity is particularly striking considering his personal history, as he has navigated the loss of both his birth mother and his billet mother. This depth of experience adds to his impressive character, making him a player the Sharks will need to keep an eye on this Saturday.
In their previous encounter, Schaefer made a notable impact, scoring a goal and recording an assist in just his sixth NHL game against the Sharks while logging an impressive 22:34 of ice time. This upcoming match not only showcases the promising talents of Schaefer and Misa, but also promises to be a crucial moment for both franchises as they develop their young stars.