New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, just 18 years old and the top overall pick in this year`s NHL Draft, celebrated a major milestone by scoring his first career NHL goal. It was a dramatic moment as he dove headfirst into the play to make it happen.
The pivotal goal occurred at 4:28 of the third period during Saturday night`s 4-2 loss to the Washington Capitals. Amidst a scramble in front of the net, Schaefer spotted a loose puck and lunged forward, skillfully poking it past Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson.
“It`s crazy, I love these fans,” Schaefer remarked about the enthusiastic reception at UBS Arena during the Islanders` home opener. “Hearing your name chanted out there is awesome; it really feels like home. We want to win for the fans, and we want to be there every night for them, just as they come out every night for us.”
He added, “We wish we could have secured the win for them and for the team here. We are going to keep working, keep striving for that.”
While Schaefer`s goal reduced Washington`s lead, the Islanders were unable to mount a comeback, falling to an 0-2 record for the season.
Nevertheless, this marked a significant achievement for the young rookie, who secured a spot on the team directly out of training camp, mere months after being selected first overall in the draft held in Los Angeles.
Islanders forward Bo Horvat praised his teammate, stating, “He honestly took over the game. He was our best player tonight, moving effectively and contributing significantly. He`s just so impactful out there and continues to grow more comfortable with each game. He`s a special player, and we`re fortunate to have him.”
Schaefer`s performance has quickly earned the full confidence of the coaching staff. After securing his first NHL point with an assist and logging 17:15 of ice time in the season-opening 4-3 loss to Pittsburgh, he led all players with an impressive 26:04 of ice time in this game—more than four minutes ahead of veteran Mathew Barzal`s 21:28.
Islanders coach Patrick Roy commented on Schaefer`s playing time, “I`m not balancing anything right now with the way he`s playing. He forced me to play him — he forced us to play him — so we`re going to give it to him.”
Schaefer`s journey to the draft was unique, as he had limited recent game experience, playing only 17 games for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League in the 2024-25 season. His time was curtailed by mononucleosis and later a broken clavicle sustained while representing Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. Despite these setbacks, he still managed an impressive 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) and a plus-21 rating.
The Ontario native also notably captained Canada to gold medals at both the 2024 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge and the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
At just 18 years old, already making his mark in the NHL, his inaugural goal offers a clear indication of the high expectations the Islanders have for him in the years to come.
Duncan Priestley