Islanders' Rookie Defenseman Turning Heads Early

The gift of being able to play offense while being a defenseman was given to Schaefer, who excels at it. Schaefer has five goals and five assists at the start of the season. An impressive 10 points accompany his stats. Schaefer is also at the top of the rookie defenseman rankings, and his name is on the overall defenseman ranking. This is incredible for such a young player who just started in the NHL. Big things for Schaefer are yet to come. 

Schaefer, new to the NHL, is staying with Matt Martin, a former Islanders player who has shifted to a special assistant general manager role with the team. Martin’s family has been cheering for Schaefer and has consistently shown their support. They provide a positive environment for Schaefer to learn the ropes of the NHL. He’s doing a great job so far.

Schaefer got his first two-goal game ever in his NHL career against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Starting the night with a crisp power-play goal in the first period had Schaefer ecstatic. The puck gravitated towards the net like a magnet. Schaefer was in control. His second goal came in the third period, a snapshot that tied the game, making for an exciting fan experience. The Islanders won the game 3-2 with the last goal from Simon Holmstrom.

This up-and-coming star seems to just know when to shoot, and his luck hasn’t run out. With fantastic stats so early on in the season, it’s looking positive for Schaefer. After the Jackets' game, Schaefer said, “They find me and then all I have to do is shoot it.” Making hockey sound so simple, Schaefer shows effortless impact in his game. Schaefer is about to be very popular in the NHL; it won’t be surprising if “Schaefer” jerseys start flying off the shelves.