"Eighteen years old, it's crazy to think I'd be playing in the NHL this year. Going to NHL games last year, being a fan up top in the nosebleeds with my brother and parents. It's a dream come true. It was an amazing year. I got to learn so much."
"It's the way he defends and cares about defending that's truly impressive. That's what sets him apart from any young defenseman that came in the league."
"Right from game one, really, having a defenseman like that on the ice for 25, 30 minutes a night just changes the whole complexity of how we play the game."
Matthew Schaefer, selected first overall by the Islanders, aimed to make the team and avoid returning to junior hockey. He achieved 23 goals, matching a rookie record, and set a league record for 18-year-old defensemen with 59 points. Schaefer led the Islanders in ice time and received accolades for his defensive skills. General manager Mathieu Darche praised his commitment to defense, while teammate Mathew Barzal noted Schaefer's impact on the team's play. Schaefer is a strong contender for the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie.
Read at Newsday
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