The excitement surrounding Matthew Schaefer, the New York Islanders’ No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, is already making waves within the organization.
The 17-year-old defenseman recently made his first appearance in a game since recovering from a broken collarbone, participating in Team Canada’s inter-squad scrimmage at the 2025 World Junior Championships. Playing for Canada Red, Schaefer showcased his skills despite his team’s 4-3 shootout loss, offering fans and analysts a glimpse of his potential impact on the ice.
Mathew Barzal Praises Matthew Schaefer’s Talent and Potential To Transform Islanders’ Future
Schaefer’s return has been highly anticipated, not just by fans but also by Islanders star center Mathew Barzal, who shared his thoughts on the young rookie during an appearance on The ForePlay Pod. Barzal recalled the moment the Islanders won the draft lottery, saying:
“Immediately when we won the lottery, Zeeker called me and we were just like, ‘This changes the entire direction of our franchise, man,’” Mathew Barzal said on The ForePlay Pod. “Just to get the best player, especially in a draft where you’re getting a stud.
“Who knows if [Schaefer] is generational or not? I obviously hope he is, like, the way he skates, he could be.”
Barzal mentioned just how highly he rates Schaefer’s talent and potential impact on the Islanders. By calling him a “complete stud,” Barzal emphasized Schaefer’s strong skating, game awareness, puck-handling skills, and physical presence, rare qualities for a young defenseman.
He compared Schaefer’s value to elite NHL blueliners like Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes, noting that defensemen of that caliber are franchise cornerstones whom teams rarely let go. Barzal believes that drafting a player like Schaefer is essential for the Islanders to elevate their game and remain competitive long-term, as having top-tier defensemen is a key factor in building a successful, championship-contending team.
“Like, you’re always in the hunt when you have a good D-core. And him and that Aitcheson kid who we just drafted, like, those two are going to set up [the future] so nicely for the next 15 years,” Barzal said.
Matthew Schaefer back in action 💪🏻 #WJSS
📸 USA Hockey / Bjorn Franke pic.twitter.com/rz2CzXuXQH
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) July 30, 2025
During the scrimmage, Schaefer played on the top defense pairing alongside the Pittsburgh Penguins’ 2024 No. 44 pick, Harrison Brunicke, while also serving on Canada Red’s top power-play unit. Despite being sidelined for seven months, he displayed poise and confidence, using his skating ability and vision to control play from the blue line.
With Barzal’s ringing endorsement and Schaefer’s promising skill set, the Islanders have reason to believe they’ve secured a cornerstone player. As Barzal noted, elite defensemen like Makar and Hughes rarely become available, making Schaefer’s arrival a potentially franchise-defining moment. Alongside fellow prospect Kashawn Aitcheson, Schaefer could help solidify New York’s blue line for the next decade and beyond.
