Matthew Schaefer Named 7th-Best Defenseman in the NHL in a Great Honor

Kevin Sweeney
New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer during warmups prior to a game against the Washington Capitals on February 2, 2026.

Matthew Schaefer was named by the National Hockey League (NHL) as the 7th-best defenseman in the league. This is a big honor for both him and the team. Schaefer accomplished several important things last season, and off the ice he also had several great achievements. The honor could not have happened to a nicer guy.

Matthew Schaefer will not turn 19 until September 5. When one thinks of him being ranked seventh among defensemen, and how many grown men he is ranked ahead of, the sky is the limit for the young man. This article will list some of his accomplishments and will look at some of the defensemen who are ranked near him. What do you think will be Schaefer’s ceiling?

Matthew Schaefer Accomplishments: Impressive

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) dives for the puck against Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson (72) during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagin Images
Jan 24, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) dives for the puck against Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson (72) during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Matthew Schaefer had several great accomplishments during his rookie season. He was only 18 years old, and he accomplished things that had never been accomplished before. First things first, he was voted the unanimous winner of the Calder Trophy, presented to the National Hockey League’s rookie of the year.

He played 82 games and had 23 goals, 36 assists, and 59 points. On a team that did not make the playoffs, he was +13 and averaged an eye-popping 24:41 of ice time per game. He had several accomplishments. Some include:

  • He was the youngest defenseman to score in his debut.
  • Matthew Schaefer was the youngest player, at any position, to score in overtime.
  • With 23 goals, he was the first defenseman in over 90 years to lead all rookies in goals scored.
  • Matthew Schaefer had the most points ever for a rookie defenseman.
  • He was the top rookie in the NHL in plus/minus.
  • Matthew Schaefer was an ironman. He played the most minutes on the ice of any rookie.
  • Only nine 18-year-olds have ever scored five points. Matthew Schaefer joined this list after only five games.

The Top 10 Defensemen According to the NHL

Matthew Schaefer joined an exclusive list in the National Hockey League’s ranking of defensemen. He’s quickly becoming one of the most reliable young blue‑liners in the league, showing poise well beyond his age. Here are the top ten, according to the NHL.

10. Evan Bouchard, Edmonton Oilers

Bouchard led NHL defensemen in assists (74) and points (95), and he was fifth in goals (21) in 82 games last season. He is one of the stars on a team of stars. Maybe the Islanders will lure big-time free agents from this team with Matthew Schaefer/

9. Moritz Seider, Detroit Red Wings

Moritz Seider had a great season in 2025-6. He set career bests in goals (10), assists (50), points (60), power-play points (28), and average time on ice (25:40) while playing all 82 games for the fifth straight season.

8. Jake Sanderson, Ottawa Senators

Jake Sanderson also had a career year. He scored 14 goals in 67 games and led Senators defensemen with 54 points. He also had a plus-16 rating while leading Ottawa with an average ice time of 24:50 per game. He also was a part of the gold medal-winning US Men’s Olympic Hockey team.

7. Matthew Schaefer, New York Islanders

Matthew Schaefer’s accomplishments are listed above.

6. Lane Hutson, Montreal Canadiens

Hutson won the Calder Trophy in 2024-25. He improved in his sophomore season. The 22-year-old was third on the Canadiens with 78 points (12 goals, 66 assists) in 82 games. the first time since 2021.

5. Miro Heiskanen, Dallas Stars

Miro Heiskanen was ninth among NHL defensemen with 63 points. He was also fourth among all players with an average ice time of 25:28 in 77 games last season. So, he was a little like Matthew Schafer.

4. Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres

Rasmus Dahlin is a mountain of a man who was a top draft pick. His performance last year justified that high draft position. He was sixth among NHL defensemen with 74 points in 77 games, the most points by a Buffalo defenseman since Phil Housley had 81 in 1989-90. Matthew Schafer broke several of his records.

3. Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets

Zach Werenski was voted the Norris Trophy winner as the best defenseman in the League last season, after he led the Blue Jackets and was second among NHL defensemen, with 81 points (22 goals, 59 assists) in 75 games. Many think he is the best defenseman in the NHL.

2. Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild

Quinn Hughes was fifth among NHL defensemen last season with 76 points while averaging an NHL-best 27:44 in 74 games for the Vancouver Canucks and the Minnesota Wild. He has been remarkably consistent in his career. At the 2026 Winter Olympics,he was voted the tournament’s best defenseman.

1. Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche

This is the consensus best defenseman in the NHL. Makar was third among NHL defensemen with 79 points in 75 games. He is on the juggernaut of the Colorado Avalanche. Many say Matthew Schaefer is going to develop into what Cale Makar is.

Conclusion

The sky is the limit with Matthew Schaefer. He has been ranked the seventh-best defenseman in the National Hockey League and is not yet 19 years old. Some of the other names on the top ten list are also great players. It sure looks like he will become one of these great players.

Kevin Sweeney is a published author. He is the author of 8 books. He has written an autobiography, a book on stroke recovery, one on presidential politics, and four on sports. Kevin has a Ph.D. in political science; he has published 12 scholarly articles. He lives in Purcellville, VA, with his 3 sons and wife, Kelly. They were married in 2000.

You can get his books here:
https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/bookshelf