Mike Sullivan, the head coach of the New York Rangers, has recognized the potential of Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who was the top pick in this year’s NHL Draft. Ahead of an intense rivalry match against the Islanders at UBS Arena, Sullivan labeled Schaefer as an “emerging star,” highlighting his exceptional skills on the ice.
Sullivan praised Schaefer’s skating ability and game intelligence, noting his capability to execute strong breakouts while contributing to the offensive rush. “He’s a one-man breakout,” Sullivan stated, emphasizing that Schaefer’s unique qualities make him one of the most exciting young talents in the league. “I’m sure the Islanders are really excited about him. I would be if he was on my team.”
At just 18 years old, Schaefer has made a significant impact on the Islanders, scoring nine goals and amassing 24 points in his first 37 professional games. Despite a recent scoring slump, where he recorded only one goal in the last 12 games before the league’s Christmas break, his performance includes five power-play goals. He leads the Islanders in ice time, averaging over 23 minutes per game, which is remarkable for a rookie. Sullivan noted this speaks volumes about Schaefer’s readiness and poise at the NHL level.
Braden Schneider, a fellow defenseman for the Rangers, echoed Sullivan’s sentiments. He expressed admiration for Schaefer’s ability to manage the responsibilities that come with his role, especially at such a young age. Schneider remarked on Schaefer’s speed, puck-moving skills, and how he seems to handle his duties with impressive maturity. “It’s not an easy position to just jump right into at this level, at any age. To see what he’s been doing at 18 has been really special,” Schneider said.
The excitement surrounding Schaefer signifies a bright future not only for the young player himself but also for the Islanders as they build their team around emerging talents. Players like Schaefer are pivotal in shaping the trajectory of their franchises, and fans are eagerly watching what’s next for this promising defenseman.