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Islanders' Matthew Schaefer Achieves Career Milestone at 18 Years Old

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Abhilasha Aditi | Last updated Dec 31, 2025 6:22 AM ET

Matthew Schaefer keeps finding ways to stand out during his first NHL season with the New York Islanders.

On Tuesday night in Chicago, the 18-year-old defenseman, who got drafted with the No. 1 overall pick in 2025, reached another major mark. He became the youngest defenseman in league history to record 25 career points.

Schaefer's milestone came during a 3-2 Islanders shootout win over the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center, as the rookie continues to produce well beyond his age.

The game itself followed a tense script. The Islanders' Bo Horvat scored in regulation and added the lone shootout goal to seal the win. Calum Ritchie also scored early as New York built a 2-0 first-period lead.

Another page in the history books for Matthew Schaefer pic.twitter.com/i9InCUcAer
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 31, 2025

Chicago answered late in the second period, with Teuvo Teravainen scoring before Nick Lardis tied it on a power play with three seconds left. The third period and overtime solved nothing, setting up Horvat’s finish.

Schaefer quietly played a key role in the final result. He recorded an assist on Horvat’s power-play goal, marking his first point of the night. He logged close to 27 minutes and stayed composed during late pressure.

After the game, Schaefer credited his teammates for his growth.

“My teammates have helped me every step of the way,” Schaefer said, via NHL.com. “But it doesn't stop here. Every day I learn from all the older guys.”

Matthew Schaefer required the fourth-fewest games by an 18-year-old defenseman to reach 25 career points, behind Phil Housley (30 GP), Ray Bourque (33 GP) and Bobby Orr (38 GP). #NHLStats

Tune in : https://t.co/dT34F4MhkC pic.twitter.com/xJYFpQnasS
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) December 31, 2025

Added Schaefer: “I want to be the best version of myself. No one's perfect, but I strive to be perfect.”

The NHL Public Relations account on X later shared the wider context behind the moment, explaining that Schaefer just became the fourth-fastest 18-year-old defenseman to reach 25 points, trailing only Phil Housley, Ray Bourque, and Bobby Orr.

Through 40 games, Schaefer now ranks among the top teenage defensemen in league history.

The Islanders will now turn the page to the New Year. New York, holding a 22-14-4 record, returns home to face the Utah Mammoth (18-19-3) on January 1 at 3:00 PM EST.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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