What will Matthew Schaefer’s next contract look like?

Bet early, bet big. That could’ve been the unofficial motto for how NHL teams approached contract extensions this offseason. With a skyrocketing salary cap, teams were willing to give their young, relatively unproven players long and lucrative contracts with the hope they turn into bargains down the line. Vancouver Canucks defenseman Zeev Buium, Washington Capitals forward Ryan Leonard, and Buffalo Sabres forward Noah Ostlund all signed eight-year extensions despite having no more than a season’s worth of NHL experience.

If young players are getting huge deals based largely on potential, what kind of money will be handed over to a young players that’s already a superstar? Enter Matthew Schaefer, the 19-year-old New York Islanders defenseman that won the Calder Trophy and finished 12th in Norris Trophy voting last season. At the conclusion of his current entry-level deal, Schaefer could be in for a record-setting extension.

On Wednesday’s episode of The Sheet, host Jeff Marek was joined by Stefen Rosner to project Schaefer’s next contract in New York.

Jeff Marek: I want to swing it back to Schaefer and the Islanders. We’re all wondering, what’s that number look like?

Stefen Rosner: I don’t think he’s taking a discount. All the fans want a hometown discount. I don’t think he’s going to take a discount. I don’t think he’s going to take the entire percentage that he can, but I think it starts at 20.

Jeff Marek: I know it’s going to sound crazy. I think that’s a discount.

Stefen Rosner: Right, right.

Jeff Marek: Like this idea of… Cale Makar, look at his number. That’s a discount.

Stefen Rosner: Yeah, I think Schaefer truly loves being here. I know his agent has a job to do. But yeah, I think they’re gonna hope for if they could get seven, obviously. But if it’s like a five-year deal, $21, $22 million… I mean he deserves it. You’re not paying for the now… I mean you are paying for the now, but it’s also the length of that deal. In four years, how good is this kid gonna be? I think if you’re the Islanders, it’s not a blank check but it’s pretty close.

You can catch the full discussion and the rest of Wednesday’s episode here…