Islanders rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer achieves another big milestone

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer is not only running away with NHL's Rookie of the Year race, he also continues to do things no other 18-year-old defenseman has ever done. He added another big milestone to his already impressive rookie season on Thursday night.

Another big milestone for Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer

With his 21st goal of the season in the first period of the Islanders game against the Ottawa Senators, Schaefer reached the 50-point mark for the 2025-26 season, making him the youngest defenseman in NHL history to ever reach that mark.

Any defenseman of any age getting 50 points in a season is an impressive accomplishment, whether they are a rookie or seasoned veteran, 18 years old or 28 years old. It is a big number, and is usually reserved for the best of the best at the position.

The fact Schaefer has done it as an 18-year-old, stepping right into the NHL in his draft year, makes it an absolutely incredible accomplishment.