Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer season’s first rookie of the month

By Canadian Press on November 1, 2025.

NEW YORK — New York Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer was named the NHL’s rookie of the month for October on Saturday.

Schaefer ranked third among all rookies in points with three goals and five assists in 11 games.

The 18-year-old from Hamilton was selected first overall by the Islanders in this year’s draft.

Only one 18-year-old defenceman earned more points in his first 11 games of his NHL career. Phil Housley had 11 in 1982-83 with the Buffalo Sabres.

Schaefer was chosen top rookie in the first month of this NHL season ahead of Montreal Canadiens teammates Jakub Dobes, Ivan Demidov and Oliver Kapanen; Detroit Red Wings centre Emmitt Finnie; Minnesota Wild defenceman Zeev Buium and St. Louis Blues winger Jimmy Snuggerud.

At 18 years, 34 days, Schaefer was the youngest player to record a point in his NHL debut Oct. 9 in a 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Scott Niedermayer previously held the record at 18 years, 46 days.

Schaefer was also the youngest defenceman to register his first goal, which he did in his second game, since Ross Johnstone did at 17 years more than 80 years ago.

Schaefer ran a season-opening point streak to six games with two goals and five assists in that span. He recorded his first game-winning goal Oct. 21 against the San Jose Sharks.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 1, 2025.

The Canadian Press