Matthew Schaefer is one of the most talked-about young talents in hockey today. Born in 2007, the defenseman was drafted first overall in the 2025 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders and won the the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie in 2025–26.
Matthew Schaefer early life
Matthew Schaefer was born on September 5, 2007, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. His parents are Todd and Jennifer Schaefer. He has an older brother, Johnathon Schaefer, born in 1998, who played in the OHL.
Matthew Schaefer playing career
During the 2021–2022 season, Schaefer tallied 51 points (17 goals, 34 assists) in 31 games with the Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs U15. In the following season, he played for the Halton Hurricanes U16, recording 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) in 25 games, earning Player of the Year honors.
After that season, Schaefer was selected first overall in the 2023 OHL Draft by the Erie Otters, making him the third first-overall pick in Otters history, following Ryan O’Reilly and Connor McDavid.
During the 2023–2024 season, Schaefer tallied 17 points (3 goals, 14 assists) in 56 games, earning a spot on the OHL First All-Rookie Team. In the 2024–2025 season, he scored 22 points (7 goals, 15 assists) in just 17 games.
In international play, Schaefer won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship.
Matthew Schaefer NHL career
Matthew Schaefer made his NHL debut on October 9, in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He registered one assist in his debut. Two days later, he scored his first goal in a 4-2 loss to the Washington Capitals. On November 2, Schaefer became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to record a multi-goal game in a 3-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
He won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie in 2025–26.
FACTS
| Full name | Matthew Schaefer |
| Age | 18 (turns 19 on September 5, 2026) |
| Born | September 5, 2007 — Hamilton, Ontario 🇨🇦 |
| Position | Defenseman |
| Shoots | Left |
| Height | 188 cm / 6’2″ |
| Weight | 84 kg / 186 lbs |
| Current team | New York Islanders, NHL (#48) |
| Draft | 2025 — 1st round, 1st overall, New York Islanders |
| Contract | 3-year entry-level deal, $986,250 cap hit, through 2027-28 |
CAREER
| Season | Team | League | GP | G | A | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Erie Otters | OHL | 56 | 3 | 14 | 17 |
| 2024-25 | Erie Otters | OHL | 17 | 7 | 15 | 22 |
| 2025-26 | New York Islanders | NHL | 82 | 23 | 36 | 59 |
2025-26: +13, 38 PIM, 24:41 average ice time — the most ever by an 18-year-old skater
ROOKIE RECORDS (2025-26)
| Record | Detail |
|---|---|
| Most points by a rookie defenseman in NHL history | 59 |
| Tied Brian Leetch’s rookie-defenseman goal record | 23 |
| Youngest defenseman ever to record a point in his NHL debut | Oct 9, 2025 |
| Youngest defenseman ever with a multi-goal game | Nov 2, 2025 |
| Youngest player in NHL history to score an overtime goal | Nov 14, 2025 |
| Highest average ice time ever by an 18-year-old | 24:41 |
HONORS
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| World U-17 Challenge gold (captain) | 2023 |
| OHL First All-Rookie Team | 2024 |
| IIHF U18 World Championship gold | 2024 |
| Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold (captain) | 2024 |
| CHL Top Draft Prospect Award | 2025 |
| Calder Memorial Trophy — unanimous winner | 2025-26 |
| NHL All-Rookie Team | 2025-26 |
Personal Life
Matthew Schaefer’s parents are Todd and Jennifer Schaefer. He also has an older brother, Johnathon, who played in the OHL. In February 2024, Matthew’s mother passed away from breast cancer.
Regarding his dating life, there are rumors about a possible girlfriend, but it has not been confirmed whether he is currently dating anyone.
Height and Weight
Matthew Schaefer stands 6’2″(188 cm) tall and weighs 185 lbs (84 kg).
His 59 points are the most ever scored by a rookie defenseman in NHL history. His 23 goals tied Brian Leetch’s record, and his 24:41 average ice time is the most ever by an 18-year-old skater.
The number honors his mother, Jennifer Schaefer, who died of breast cancer in February 2024.
He spent his rookie season living with Islanders veteran Matt Martin and his family in New York.
Jennifer Schaefer died in February 2024 after an approximately two-year battle with breast cancer, during his rookie OHL season with Erie. He wore a tribute to her at the 2025 draft, and the Islanders pledged $150,000 in her honor during his rookie year.
He signed a three-year entry-level contract in July 2025 with a cap hit of $986,250, running through 2027-28.
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