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New York Islanders Under the Microscope After Possibly Breaking NHL Rules By Signing Matthew Schaefer

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Aug 5, 2025 9:36 AM ET

The Islanders recently signed Matthew Schaefer to his ELC, but despite speculation about the legality of it, Insider Stefan Rosner has officially weighed in.

The New York Islanders were a disappointment in 2025, but after the season ended, they've made plenty of changes, landing not one, not two but three potential NHLers in the first-round of the 2025 NHL Draft under new General Manager Mathieu Darche.

Now, they've signed No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer to a three-year Entry Level Deal after the 17-year old showed immense potential over the past two seasons for the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League.

Matthew Schaefer Signs NHL Deal at 17-Years-Old: Contract is Legal Per Stefen Rosner

However, it was the fact that he is just 17-years of age that has drawn suspicion from fans, with some speculating that a player can't sign their ELC at such an early age with calls for the NHL to look into the deal.

Following that however, Insider Stefan Rosner has addressed that wild speculation, noting that if it has been signed, it's completely legal, with the Islanders having to go through plenty of lawyers to make a deal official.

In recent years, there haven't been many 17-year olds to sign their ELC's with their NHL team, but that doesn't make it illegal, and in the CBA of the National Hockey League, it's simply not against any rules.

Ultimately, it's unlikely that Schaefer will play in the NHL this season, and even if he did, he turns 18 before the campaign begins, making everything completely legal under the NHL rules, and with so much pure talent from the young defenseman, it's easy to see why there's so much excitement around the Islanders and their fans.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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