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Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid offered advice to Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer, the 2025 top draft pick, urging him to savor his NHL journey. McDavid, who knows the pressure of being a No. 1 pick, emphasized enjoying the experience as it passes quickly. Schaefer has impressed early with three points in three games, providing a bright spot for the Islanders.
As the New York Islanders prepare to face the Edmonton Oilers, one matchup is capturing the hockey world’s attention, the league’s best player mentoring its newest rising star. Connor McDavid, the Oilers’ captain and 2015 No. 1 overall pick, shared thoughtful advice for Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer, the 2025 top draft pick who’s already making waves just three games into his NHL career.
Connor McDavid reminds Matthew Schaefer to savor the journey amid rising pressure
Speaking to reporters ahead of Thursday’s game, McDavid reflected on the unique pressure that comes with being the first overall pick — something he knows all too well. “There’s always another guy coming up, another guy that’s going first overall, another highly-touted player,” McDavid said. “Everybody handles it differently. He’s got a good head on his shoulders, he has a great personality. I think he’s gonna do just fine.
My only advice would be just to enjoy it. Because it goes really, really fast. It really does.”
It’s sage advice from a player who has faced relentless scrutiny and expectation since day one. McDavid, now a decade older than Schaefer, has lived the highs and heartbreaks of the NHL — from MVP seasons to consecutive Stanley Cup Final losses. For him, it’s about perspective: success at this level is fleeting, and joy must be intentional.
Matthew Schaefer’s breakout start gives Islanders a reason to believe
The Islanders may still be searching for their first win of the 2025–26 season, but Schaefer has been a rare bright spot. The 19-year-old defenseman has already recorded three points in his first three games and led the team in ice time during their loss to the Winnipeg Jets.McDavid praised the young blueliner beyond his stats: “First off, you know, just a great kid. He’s got a great personality, brings a lot of energy.
As a player, it obviously seems like he’s off to a great start, which is good to see.”Also Read: Adrian Kempe to the Oilers? NHL analyst fuels rumors of Connor McDavid partnership after team-friendly extensionAs the Islanders host the Oilers at UBS Arena, the night won’t just mark a game, it’s a generational passing of the torch moment. For Schaefer, hearing from McDavid isn’t just encouragement; it’s validation that he belongs among the league’s elite.
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