Top 2025 draft pick praised after preseason debut with Rangers archrival
It’s looking like the New York Rangers will have a major thorn side in their side for years to come. That’s after Matthew Schaefer exploded on the NHL scene with a terrific all-around performance in his first preseason game with the New York Islanders on Sunday.
The No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, who turned 18 less than three weeks ago, drew rave reviews from far and wide after the Isles’ 3-2 shootout loss (in 11 rounds) to the Philadelphia Flyers at UBS Arena.
“He’s going to be one of, if not the best defensemen in the League, I think, based off his instincts,” Islanders center Mathew Barzal stated postgame. “He’s got it.”
Barzal, of course, knows a thing or two about breaking into the NHL and achieving stardom right away. As a 20-year-old in 2017-18, Barzal put up 85 points (22 goals, 63 assists) and won the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year.
Islanders fans certainly love hearing that kind of talk. They welcomed their new hero by loudly cheering for Schaefer and chanting his name throughout his (unofficial) NHL debut.
“Definitely got shivers,” the youngster admitted afterward. “We thought it was for [defense partner Scott Mayfield], but I guess it was for me. Obviously, you get chills.”
Of course, the chants will be quite different when Schaefer crosses over into Manhattan to play at Madison Square Garden, which could happen as early as Thursday night when the Rangers host their biggest rival in a preseason game. After all, you know how another former No. 1 overall pick who played defense for the Islanders is treated to this day by the Blueshirts Faithful.
We suppose you’ve heard of Denis Potvin, the first player taken in the 1973 draft. Rangers fans still haven’t forgotten him.
Like Potvin, Schaefer has the potential to be a major pain in the butt for the Rangers for years to come.
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Rangers rival has star in the making with Matthew Schaefer
Schaefer logged 24:39 total TOI and recorded an assist on the Islanders’ first goal of the contest, scored by veteran forward Kyle Palmieri. He skated a majority of his shifts next to Mayfield and tied for the team lead with five shots on goal.
His role in the preseason contest was far from limited. He earned 1:23 power-play TOI and 2:06 on the PK, not to mention he took the fourth shot in the shootout for the Islanders.
Schaefer also opened eyes with an incredible backcheck, chasing down Flyers scoring sensation Matvei Michkov in overtime.
“I thought he was really good … It’s pretty exciting to see him play,” Islanders coach Patrick Roy said. “The backcheck that he made against their guy on the breakaway [in overtime], it was out of this world.”
Of course, the adjustment to the big leagues comes with some growing pains. The excited youngster took two penalties and, on his second shift, sent an errant pass that directly resulted in a Flyers goal.
But overall it was an impressive debut.
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“It was fun to watch. He’s only 18 years old, but it’s pretty impressive to see him play the way he’s playing,” Roy said. “The fans love him.”
Schaefer was the first of three first-round picks in the 2025 draft; they added forward Viktor Eklund with the No. 16 selection and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson at No. 17 following a trade that sent their best offensive defenseman. Noah Dobson, to the Montreal Canadiens.
Rangers fans may get their first look at Schaefer this week. It won’t be their last.
