"We've gone through a lot as a family, Schaefer said, referring to the loss of his mother after a battle with cancer. My mom's helped me and my family so much with everything. We've had some tough losses, but that hasn't stopped us as a family. We've gotten a lot closer This means a lot This year was super important to me I'm super honored to win this."
"Schaefer, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NHL Draft, lived up to the hype in his first year with the Islanders. He tied the league record for most goals by a rookie defenseman with 23 originally set by Brian Leetch in 1988-89 to go with 36 assists for 59 total points."
"A puck-moving blue liner with goal-scoring and playmaking skills to pair with a resolute defensive game, he earned comparisons to the likes of Colorado Avalanche superstar Cale Makar and Hall of Famer Paul Coffey."
"100% [I exceeded my expectations]. Honestly, at the start of the season, I didn't know if I was going to be up or down, Schaefer said during exit interviews last month. For me, I wanted to learn so much from everyone and keep bettering my ability in each and every way, and just get better each day. And I think from the coaches to the players, they've helped me"
Matthew Schaefer was named winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie. The 18-year-old received the award after being surprised by family members and former Islanders forward Matt Martin on Good Morning America. Schaefer credited his mother’s support and described family losses, including her death after cancer, while saying the experience brought the family closer. Drafted first overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Schaefer produced 23 goals, 36 assists, and 59 points in his rookie season, tying the league record for goals by a rookie defenseman. He was praised for puck-moving, goal-scoring, and playmaking ability alongside strong defensive play, drawing comparisons to Cale Makar and Paul Coffey.
Read at www.amny.com
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