New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer. Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer makes history with 25th point

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Dec 31, 2025 9:10 AM ET

A large part of the New York Islanders' success so far this season has been the emergence of their rookie defenseman.

And in leading New York to a win on Tuesday night, Matthew Schaefer's strong play, especially offensively, became most evident by his historic achievement in the midst of a 3-2 win after a shootout with the Chicago Blackhawks.

With an assist on the Islanders' second goal of the game, which at the time gave New York a 2-0 first-period lead, Schaefer became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to reach 25 points.

Matthew Schaefer just turned 18 a few months ago

At only 18 years old — he actually just turned legal age 116 days ago — the first overall pick from the 2025 NHL Draft now has nine goals and 16 assists in exactly 40 games. He's also a +8, which speaks to how good the Islanders are on both ends of the ice with Schaefer.

Another page in the history books for Matthew Schaefer! pic.twitter.com/yfgVMIPBLn
— NHL (@NHL) December 31, 2025

Schaefer's historic assist on Wednesday snapped a four-game skid without a point — his last coming in Buffalo on Dec. 20.

Matthew Schaefer could pass some big names if he keeps up his current pace in the years to come

Beyond continuing to help New York win and stay in playoff contention, Schaefer has an opportunity to make more history and do so by passing some legendary names like Bobby Orr and Paul Coffey as the youngest to reach future milestone point totals. Orr remains the gold standard for instant scoring, putting up 300 points in just 279 games at only 23. For a peer as a benchmark, Montreal's Lane Hutson set the record as the youngest to 100 earlier in December.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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