The New York Islanders resumed their NHL campaign following the Olympic break with a crucial win on Thursday night. Positioned third in the Metropolitan Division, the team is in need of every point available, and they secured a strong start by defeating the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer played a key role in the Islanders’ victory, scoring two goals as the 2025 first overall pick continues to impress in his debut season.
Captain Anders Lee Applauds Schaefer’s Impact
Following the game, Islanders captain Anders Lee spoke exclusively with Newsday’s Andrew Gross, expressing strong admiration for Schaefer’s performance.
“He’s an absolute stud. He has that ability to change a hockey game and he did that tonight,”
Lee remarked, highlighting the young defenseman’s influence on the ice.
Schaefer’s Rookie Season Stats and Achievements
Throughout his rookie season, Matthew Schaefer has immediately established himself as a significant contributor. With 18 goals and 41 points after Thursday’s match, he ranks tied for second in goals and third in points among NHL rookies. His scoring pace places him on track to finish the 2025-26 season with an impressive 25 goals.
Schaefer is nearing a major milestone, needing just five more goals to tie the record for most goals by a rookie defenseman in a single NHL season, underscoring his historic potential.
The Road Ahead for Schaefer and the Islanders
As the Islanders approach the NHL Trade Deadline and push toward the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Schaefer’s continued strong performance could prove critical for the team’s success. His offensive and defensive contributions position him as a key element in New York’s pursuit of postseason glory and a lasting legacy in NHL history.
Got Anders Lee one-on-one briefly after the game. His thoughts on Matthew Schaefer to me: "He's an absolute stud. He has that ability to change a hockey game and he did that tonight."
— Andrew Gross (@AGrossNewsday) February 27, 2026
