Hockey Canada has reportedly informed New York Islanders' Matthew Schaefer that the defenseman has officially been added to Team Canada's International Olympic Committee (IOC) long list (90-plus players).
One of the most surprising and fast-rising storylines in Canadian hockey took another major step forward this week, as 18-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer has officially entered Olympic drug-testing protocol, making him eligible to be selected for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Games.
With the 2026 Winter Olympics right around the corner in February and roster decisions due much sooner than that, Team Canada’s brass is weighing the possibility of embracing a youth movement.
NHL head coaches have to hire good assistants. They have to set an overarching philosophy, juggle lineup configurations, and do the kind of “man management” that is impossible to track statistically.
Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.
The New York Islanders placed defenseman Alexander Romanov on injured reserve Wednesday because of an upper-body injury. Romanov was hurt with 27 seconds left in the Islanders' 3-2 road win over Dallas when Stars forward Mikko Rantanen hit him from behind and hurtled him headfirst into the back boards.
Upper-body injuries are becoming a significant theme for Romanov. The 25-year-old blueliner missed 18 games due to upper-body ailments last season, and has already missed five this year for the same reason.
It doesn’t appear Mikko Rantanen will receive any supplemental discipline, but he’s going to need to have his head on a swivel the next time the New York Islanders and Dallas Stars meet.
The New York Islanders (11-7-2) scored two in the third period, including one shorthanded, to defeat the Dallas Stars (12-5-3) 3-2 at American Airlines Center on Tuesday night.
The New York Islanders’ blue line has been completely transformed by the addition of rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer. The 18-year-old is leading all NHL freshmen with seven goals and 15 points, making a convincing case for the Calder Trophy through the first quarter of the 2025-26 season.
Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.
Longtime executive Lou Lamoriello might have taken a step back from running the New York Islanders’ front office last summer, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t still having his voice heard around the building.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau scored an unassisted short-handed goal 3:02 into overtime as the New York Islanders rallied for their third straight victory, a 4-3 decision over the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday in Las Vegas.
The Vegas Golden Knights have recalled right-winger Braeden Bowman from the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights. This is the first call-up of Bowman’s professional career.
LONG ISLAND, N.Y. — Every NHL season, there’s a team that sneaks up on everyone — the one that doesn’t come with hype videos, Cup expectations, or national TV overload, but still finds a way to make people stop scrolling and start watching.