The New York Islanders, technically, have a decision to make.
Matthew Schaefer has played nine NHL games, which is a key number for a rookie.
If a rookie plays nine or fewer games and then is sent back to junior hockey, it doesn’t count as a year off the entry-level contract.
So if the Islanders were going to send Schaefer back to Erie in the OHL, now would be the time.
Of course, that’s not going to happen with the No. 1 overall pick.
Bleacher Report’s social media post summed it up with this question, which you have to read carefully:
“Do you think the Islanders will keep him in the NHL, or keep him in the NHL?”
Yeah, it’s not really a question at all.
The lefty defenseman has been brilliant already in the NHL. Through his nine games, Schaefer has two goals and five assists. He’s a plus-3.
Schaefer also has 10 shot blocks and four hits. He has averaged 23.25 minutes on the ice and taken 28 shots on goal.
He already looks to be everything the Islanders could’ve wanted, and he only turned 18 in September.
The Islanders have plenty more to figure out about their future, but Schaefer doesn’t require any figuring out. He’s here to stay for the long haul.
