'It's been remarkable': Hamilton's Matthew Schaefer dazzles as a rookie for New York Islanders

Brayden Schenn had seen the highlights.

The veteran centre knew all about a peach-fuzzed New York Islanders defenceman making waves in a jaw-dropping rookie season — from afar.

Acquired by the club ahead of the NHL trade deadline, Schenn now gets a front-row seat.

Matthew Schaefer, a happy-go-lucky teenager with a wide smile and engaging personality, has burst on the scene with an effortless skating stride, bullet shot and elite feel for the game.

"Comes as advertised," Schenn, added from the St. Louis Blues on March 6, said of the 18-year-old phenom. "Very skilled, very motivated to be the best he can be. He's a special person. He really cares about the people in this locker room."

And the organization counts itself fortunate to have him.

"Don't want to think about that," Islanders head coach Patrick Roy replied when asked if he's contemplated life without Schaefer. "He has helped our team tremendously... a lot of times we say, 'Oh, defencemen take a little more time to develop.' He's been handling those situations really well."

The runaway Calder Trophy favourite as rookie of the year, Schaefer will also likely get Norris Trophy (top blueliner) and Hart Trophy (MVP) votes for a campaign that has seen the No. 1 pick at the 2025 draft register 49 points (20 goals, 29 assists) across 68 games while leading New York with an average of more than 24 minutes per contest.

"Focus on what we've got going in this room," he said of his approach. "It's not just about me, it's about we. We have a great team. These guys have helped me so much.

"I'm a perfectionist and I want to be perfect. But no one's ever perfect."

Schaefer, who lost his mother, Jennifer, to cancer in 2024 and broke down in tears on an emotional draft night, has