"From the combine, to the draft, to development camp and now here, everything's been a step in the right direction. I just want to get better every day. The guys have helped me so much along the way, and I'm starting to feel more comfortable and confident playing with them."
"Some would call me a babysitter," Schaefer laughed. "I'm throwing Bo's kid in the pool, playing with Marty's kids - I love it. At the end of the day, we're hockey players, but away from the rink it's nice to refresh."
"I hate losing and I love winning," Schaefer said. "When the game's on the line, I'll give it everything I've got."
Matthew Schaefer, the Islanders' 2025 first-overall pick, moved rapidly from combine and draft through development and rookie camps into the main camp at Northwell Health Ice Center. He leans on veteran mentors while gaining comfort and confidence playing against NHL competition. Scott Mayfield has partnered with and mentored him on defense. Veterans Anders Lee and Matt Martin have integrated him into team family activities. He has tightened his defensive game to adjust to NHL speed, size, and strength and used elite skating to break up key breakaways. He shares a hotel room with prospect Calum Ritchie and enjoys everyday routines like grocery runs.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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