The New York Islanders are a team that has more excitement around the club approaching this season than they have in a while. With a new look management team and the infusion of fresh blood in the lineup, the Isles should be a fun team to watch.
No player has more anticipation surrounding him heading into this season than this year’s number 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer. The Erie Otters junior alum will look to continue making an impression in camp and earn a spot on the team.
Islanders star forward Mathew Barzal has already been impressed with what he has seen in the 18 year defenseman, sharing strong words for what he sees in the future cards with the young up and comer.
What did Barzal have to say about Schaefer?
Barzal was quoted in a recent media interview stating in regards to Schaefer’s game: “He will be one of, if not the top defenseman in the league at some point.”
This high praise for Schaefer, coming from the likes of Mathew. Barzal is not the only one with expectations in the promising dman, many pundits have compared him to premier defenseman such as Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes.
Matthew Schaefer is expected to be a Norris winning defenseman in his prime. There is a reason New York felt confident taking him over Michael Misa in the entry draft and decided they could trade top defenseman Noah Dobson over the offseason.
Schaefer will be one to watch in the Calder conversation as he looks to take the fight to Ivan Demidov in what appears to be a stacked 2025 rookie class on the horizon.
