Brady says he would sign Schaefer to his sportswear brand if he could. Jan 3, 2026; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) celebrates after scoring the winning goal in overtime against the Toronto Maple Leafs at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images

Islanders sensation Matthew Schaefer gets shoutout from NFL legend Tom Brady

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Ryan Cuneo | Last updated Jan 5, 2026 11:01 AM ET

It’s hard to imagine New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer’s rookie season going any better, but getting kudos from the greatest quarterback in NFL history has got to make it a little sweeter.

Seven-time Super Bowl champion and current NFL broadcaster Tom Brady was asked which NHL player he would sign to his sportswear brand NOBULL if he could. His answer? The Islanders’ teenage sensation.

“You know, I talked to this kid Matthew,” Brady said. “This young guy. He kind of has that eye of the tiger, that look that I always had.

"Matthew Schaefer, you heard of him? That’s who I want.”

Even Tom Brady is on the Matthew Schaefer bandwagon.

Unreal.

: @nobull/IG pic.twitter.com/FTu9i5sD2t
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) January 4, 2026

Even if the majority of Islanders fans are also New York Jets fans, meaning they have a deep-seated hatred for the former New England Patriots quarterback, hearing arguably the greatest winner in the history of North American sports compare their star rookie to himself has got to feel pretty good.

Schaefer, 18, was taken first overall by the Islanders in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Even with the hype that accompanies being a first overall pick, the Hamilton, Ontario native has surpassed all expectations. With 12 goals and 16 assists for 28 points in 42 games, Schaefer is 16th in scoring among defensemen. Among rookies, he is third behind Montreal Canadiens winger Ivan Demidov and Anaheim Ducks winger Beckett Sennecke.

The scoring and impact Schaefer has provided the Islanders has made him the early favorite for the Calder Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s top rookie. Five Islanders players have previously won the Calder Trophy, including most recently Mathew Barzal in 2018. The other four were Denis Potvin in 1974, Bryan Trottier in 1976, Mike Bossy in 1978, and Bryan Berard in 1997.

While a Calder Trophy would be nice, Islanders fans are hoping Schaefer can spearhead a dynasty the way Brady did with the Patriots.

This article first appeared on Daily Faceoff and was syndicated with permission.

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