Accolades for Matthew Schaefer have come from all corners of the NHL in the very short time he has been in the league.

Connor McDavid, John Tavares, Mike Sullivan, Nick Leddy, Jon Cooper, Auston Matthews, Chris Pronger, and Doug Armstrong, among others, have publicly praised the Islanders’ 18-year-old defenseman. They have raved about his game. His personality. His makeup.

Now, Schaefer is beginning to earn plaudits from outside the league. And, in particular, from an all-time NFL legend.

Tom Brady endorsed Schaefer as the NHL player he would want to represent NoBull, the sportswear brand the seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback co-owns with Mike Repole.

In a video posted to NoBull’s Instagram page Sunday, Brady is asked by an unidentified person which NHL player would be the best fit for an endorsement deal.

Brady thought for a moment, then lobbied for Schaefer.

“One player right now?” said Brady. “You know, I talked to this kid Matthew. This young guy. He kind of has that eye of the tiger. That look that I always had. Matthew Schaefer, (have) you heard of him? That’s who I want.”

Tom Brady acknowledging Matthew Schaefer.

This is awesome. #Isles pic.twitter.com/C41Io8pyI5

— Isles Territory (@IslesTerritory) January 4, 2026

As far as recommendations go, getting one from Brady doesn’t hurt.

Because it’s well-deserved.

The first overall pick in last June’s NHL Draft already leads the Islanders in average ice time per game at 23 minutes and 50 seconds, and ranks third on the team in goals (12), assists (16), and points (28), and has played in every game heretofore this season. He scored two goals–including the game-winner with 48.1 seconds left in overtime–in Saturday’s pulsating 4-3 come-from-behind triumph over Tavares and the Maple Leafs at UBS Arena.

Schaefer’s play is a key reason that the Islanders (23-15-4) enter Tuesday night’s match against a floundering Devils squad (22-18-2, 46 points) in second place in the Metropolitan Division, three points behind Carolina. Moreover their 50 points are fifth-most in the Eastern Conference, and eighth-most in the league.

“I think it’s pretty evident when you watch the game how special he is,” Adam Pelech said following practice Monday morning at Northwell Health Ice Center. “Everything he does is at such a high speed. His compete level is so high. I think everyone notices but the way he defends. He defends so hard. He competes. He’s out there against the best players in the league every night and he’s winning battles. He’s working hard in the (defensive) zone.

“…His two-way game has been super impressive to me.”

That’s beginning to help bring fans out to the rink in Elmont. According to data culled by HockeyDB.com, the Islanders’ average home attendance through 23 games this season is 15,905. UBS Arena seats 17,255 for hockey, and statistical information on industry website Hockey-reference.com shows that the Islanders have sold out their last six games on home ice, and 10 overall in 2025-26.

Add all of the variables together, and it becomes clear why Brady made an argument for Schaefer. Who also received an endorsement by Jean-Gabriel Pageau.

“I was pumped for (Schaefer),” Pageau said. “…I thought it was a cool moment. I think that’s the new hockey. That’s the new generation. That’s the new branding of the sport. And I think for a young guy he’s got it all, so I think he’s great for (the league).”

Notes: 

Schaefer (flu) did not practice and head coach Patrick Roy said he would be a game-time decision. Roy reiterated that Ilya Sorokin would start against the Devils.