The New York Islanders haven’t quite had the start they wanted this season. They sit near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division with an 8-6-2 record. Still, momentum appears to be building after consecutive wins. A 3-2 OT win against the Devils on Monday and a 5-0 win over the Rangers on Saturday.

A significant highlight for the Islanders so far has been rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer. The first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, whose strong play drew praise from a four-time Stanley Cup champion.

Wayne Gretzky Highlights Matthew Schaefer as Standout Young Defenseman for Islanders

Schaefer has quickly made a name for himself, tallying 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in his first 16 NHL games.

Speaking on the “100% Hockey with Millard & Shannon,” NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, the Stanley Cup champion four times with Edmonton, singled out Schaefer. “How about the young defenseman on the Islanders, Schaefer? This guy is playing like a seasoned veteran.” Gretzky said. “He’s good defensively, he’s a great kid off the ice, he’s good offensively, he skates like the wind. He’s been nothing but a positive for the National Hockey League and the Islanders.”

Gretzky also discussed the tough choices involved in building Team Canada’s Olympic roster, which will feature a 25-man lineup announced by Dec. 31. “And so those are tough decisions, and sometimes you don’t just take the best player, sometimes you got, guys got to fit in, right?” Gretzky said.

He emphasized that selection isn’t always about picking the best individual players, but finding those who can accept specific roles and contribute to team chemistry, hinting that young stars like Schaefer could be in the mix.

Schaefer Relishes Road Life, Team Chemistry on Western Swing

Meanwhile, Schaefer is gearing up for a five-game road trip with the Islanders. His stops are Vegas, Utah, Colorado, Dallas, and Detroit. Speaking to The New York Post after practice at T-Mobile Arena, the rookie shared his excitement about life on the road with his teammates.

He said it’s all part of the fun. “I mean, you get to hang out with, you know, what’s called your family in here,” Schaefer said. “We’re family, we’re close, so to come on a trip like this and battle hard and just fight for wins, it’s a fun time… even just the travel, playing cards on the plane and hanging out with the guys.”

His first stop? The Islanders take on the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday.