Islanders sensation Matthew Schaefer earns major respect from Stanley Cup legend after dominant early-season performance

The New York Islanders opened the season searching for rhythm, but their past two wins show a team steadying itself. A tight 3-2 overtime victory against the Devils and a convincing 5-0 finish over the Rangers breathed life into a group that had struggled to find early consistency.

Even in the uneven start, one bright spot kept rising above the noise. Rookie defender Matthew Schaefer is turning heads across the league with the confidence of a player far older than nineteen.Chosen first overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Schaefer has not needed time to adjust. He has jumped straight into the lineup and given the Islanders the spark they needed. His early production has been impressive with 12 points in his first 16 games, but the value he brings goes beyond numbers.

His skating, reads and poise hint at a player built for long term success.

Matthew Schaefer earns praise from Wayne Gretzky

Schaefer’s early rise reached a new level when Wayne Gretzky highlighted him during an appearance on “100% Hockey with Millard & Shannon.” Gretzky said, “How about the young defenseman on the Islanders, Schaefer? This guy is playing like a seasoned veteran.” He continued, “He’s good defensively, he’s a great kid off the ice, he’s good offensively, he skates like the wind.

He’s been nothing but a positive for the National Hockey League and the Islanders.

”Hearing that from a four time Stanley Cup champion adds weight to what fans have already noticed. Gretzky also spoke about the challenges of forming Team Canada’s Olympic roster, reminding listeners that picking players is rarely about grabbing the flashiest names. “And so those are tough decisions, and sometimes you don’t just take the best player, sometimes you got, guys got to fit in, right?” he said.

His comments hinted that players like Schaefer, who blend skill with maturity, could earn consideration sooner than expected.As for Schaefer, he is focused on the road ahead. The Islanders are beginning a five game road stretch with stops in Vegas, Utah, Colorado, Dallas and Detroit. Speaking to The New York Post, he shared how much he enjoys being on the road with teammates. “I mean, you get to hang out with, you know, what’s called your family in here,” Schaefer said. “We’re family, we’re close, so to come on a trip like this and battle hard and just fight for wins, it’s a fun time… even just the travel, playing cards on the plane and hanging out with the guys.

”The journey begins Thursday as the Islanders take on the Vegas Golden Knights.More NHL coverageAuston Matthews’ injury and expected return date: What Maple Leafs fans can expect in the coming weeks"I never became an American citizen": Wayne Gretzky addresses fierce backlash from Canadians over his Donald Trump connection