The New York Islanders expect first overall draft pick Matthew Schaefer to make the team as an 18-year-old rookie, according to Associated Press reporting from training camp.
Patrick Roy opened camp Thursday by pairing Schaefer with veteran defenseman Scott Mayfield. The Islanders coach provided on-ice instruction to his top prospect throughout the session.
Despite Schaefer’s status as the organization’s cornerstone piece, Roy assigned him to the auxiliary locker room with other rookies and prospects.
“Yeah, 100%, I think everyone’s looking to earn that big spot in the locker room with the guys,” Schaefer said. “Looking to get in the big room there. A little bit more resources in that room, I’d say: cold tubs and stuff.”
The approach mirrors Roy’s handling of Nathan MacKinnon when both were in Colorado. Roy coached the 2014 first overall pick during MacKinnon’s early NHL development.
Schaefer’s expected to make the opening night roster barring injury.
The Islanders open their season Oct. 8 at Pittsburgh.
Roy’s Development Plan
Roy plans to start Schaefer in limited minutes while creating opportunities to earn more ice time. The Hall of Fame goaltender joined the organization as a midseason replacement in January 2024.
“He’s a quality person,” Roy said. “He just wants to learn. I think when you’re saying things that make sense, he’s smart enough to use it.”
Roy won three Stanley Cups and played over 1,000 NHL games during his career.
“I want to see from his perspective what he thinks I need to work on, what I’ve got to get better at,” Schaefer said. “I want him to tell me when I’m not working my best and he knows that I have more in me.”
Veteran Leadership
Schaefer’s teammates have noticed his professionalism during rookie camp and early training camp sessions. The Islanders roster includes captain Anders Lee and veterans Bo Horvat, Mathew Barzal and Kyle Palmieri.
“The work that he puts in, the dedication that he has to the game and the way that he conducts himself every single day, he’s a pro in and out,” fourth-liner Casey Cizikas said.
Cizikas praised Schaefer’s performance in rookie camp and his first day of main camp.
The defenseman’s maturity level has impressed veterans before he’s even played his first NHL game.
