“You've got to earn your spot”: Matthew Schaefer aims to earn a spot as a defenseman for the Islanders

The New York Islanders had a great season this season, as they stunned the hockey world in early May by winning the NHL Draft Lottery. The Islanders leaped over nine teams to secure the coveted first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, and this move allowed them to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who is currently considered the top prospect in this year’s class.

Schaefer is one such player who is capable of transforming the Islanders’ blue line for years to come, but will that happen in 2025-26? The 17-year-old is certainly planning to earn a spot in this year’s roster, and it seems he is determined to make an immediate impact as a promising defenseman for the Islanders. Let’s take a look at how the player is planning to train himself this time.

Matthew Schaefer is determined to have a bright career as a defenseman for the Islanders

The New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer is very determined to have a bright career ahead in the upcoming season, as he is considered one of the finest performers and a huge prospect of the team. Speaking about his future preparations, the 17-year-old opened up to NHL.com , "You don't just get stuff given to you, right? You've got to earn it. You've got to earn your spot. I mean, still have to earn my spot on the team, and that's what I'm going into camp to do."

Regarding his preparations in the camp, he further said, “Still a lot of hard work. It's going to take time, but I'm ready, and I can't wait to just get into camp. So once we get going, get underway, I'll be super excited.”Meanwhile, he also opened up that he wants to show his capability and work on his capacity too as a player, “When training camp comes, I think I've got to really prove a point and show them what I'm capable of, still got to make the team.

I want to be in that opening night roster. So, still lots of hard work," Schaefer added.

Revisiting Matthew Schaefer’s journey in the NHL so far

According to the NHL, Matthew Schaefer was the fifth player to be selected by the New York Islanders in 2025. This came after he missed the opening nine games of the 2024-25 season due to several personal reasons. He had 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) and was plus-21 in 17 games with Erie of the Ontario Hockey League that season. His average of 1.29 points per game was third among OHL defensemen to play at least 15 games.Also read: Donovan Sebrango signs for one year with the Ottawa Senators in the 2025-26 seasonReports suggest that Schaefer also had one goal, four assists in seven games, that earned him a gold medal at the 2024 World Under-18s and another at the 2024 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge. In addition, at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, he helped Canada win gold with six points in five games as a team captain.