Islanders' Matthew Schaefer Makes NHL History With Unanimous Calder Trophy Win
Summary
Matthew Schaefer, a rookie defenseman for the New York Islanders, won the NHL Calder Trophy as the best rookie player in the 2025-26 season. He made history by being the first defenseman to win the award unanimously and the youngest player ever to receive it.Key Facts
- The New York Islanders improved their record but missed the playoffs in the 2025-26 NHL season.
- Head coach Patrick Roy was fired in April after the team's late-season struggles.
- Matthew Schaefer was the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
- Schaefer is from Hamilton, Ontario, and played for the Erie Otters before joining the NHL.
- He debuted in the NHL on October 9, 2025, and scored his first goal two days later.
- Schaefer tied the record for most goals by a rookie defenseman with 23 goals.
- He set a new record for most points by an 18-year-old defenseman with 59 points.
- Schaefer played more ice time than any other rookie, averaging nearly 25 minutes per game.
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