Latest news with #MatthewSchaefer
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Where Should Islanders' Matthew Schaefer Play In 2025-26?
The New York Islanders signed Matthew Schaefer to a three-year entry-level contract on Aug. 4, becoming the ninth 2025 first-round pick to sign.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Another Islanders Skater Could Be Joining Matthew Schaefer During His Summer Workouts
New York Islanders No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer is working hard this summer to crack the big squad this fall. Former NHLer Mark Giordano is his trainer and has been working alongside Islanders veteran defenseman Adam Pelech as well as Islanders forward Bo Horvat. Potential No. 1 Pick Matthew Schaefer On Islanders Bo Horvat, Adam Pelech & Mathieu Darche LOS ANGELES -- Matthew Schaefer is not a member of the New York Islanders organization just yet, but all signs are pointing to that with the 2025 NHL Draft just a day away. There could be another Islanders player who joins Schaefer, and that's Casey Cizikas. "I talked to Bo Horvat quite a bit. I was gonna train with him. And Pelech comes back to my gym," Schaefer said. "Cizikas may come back. "I've talked to a lot of guys, and I can't wait to start working with them." Jumping from the OHL to the NHL will be a gigantic step for Schaefer. While he's a confident kid with a tremendous amount of hockey skill, Schaefer will need a support system in place to help him overcome obstacles that come his way. The fact that he's trained this summer with not only NHLers but future teammates will go a long way toward Schaefer feeling comfortable in the room as quickly as possible. While Pelech and Schaefer will not be a pair given that they both play the left side, there could be times during a game when Schaefer and Pelech are on the ice together. So, it's good for Schaefer to learn Pelech's tendencies and vice versa. Building chemistry with forwards is ultra important, especially given the two-way style Schaefer plays. Mathew Barzal made a comment about how he quickly built chemistry with defenseman Mike Reilly when it came to breakout passes. So, for Schaefer, he's building chemistry with Horvat and, hopefully, Cizikas before it's time to head back to Long Island for training camp.
Time of India
07-08-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
New York Islanders GM Mathieu Darche speaks out on Matthew Schaefer and top draft pick decision
New York Islanders GM Mathieu Darche speaks out on Matthew Schaefer and top draft pick decision (Image via Getty) New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche has finally spoken out about the team's decision to keep the first-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. In a new interview published on August 6, 2025, Darche said he never seriously thought about trading the pick. He made it clear that the Islanders were set on picking 17-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer, one of the top young hockey talents in the world. In a conversation with NHL insider Jeff Marek, Darche said only a few teams called to ask what his plans were. 'There was never an actual offer,' Mathieu Darche said. 'A few teams just asked, 'Hey, what are your plans?' and I told them straight, I'm picking.' Mathieu Darche trusted Islanders' scouts on Matthew Schaefer pick The 2025 NHL Draft was held in June, and Mathieu Darche said the team's scouts were sure from early on that Matthew Schaefer was the player they wanted. Even though Darche had only recently become the general manager, he trusted the scouting team fully. — rtaub_ (@rtaub_) 'So I wasn't moving the pick,' Darche explained. 'I didn't know the player as well as our scouts. But they were all-in on him.' The pick, which came after a lucky draft lottery win, was originally earned by the Islanders' head of scouting, Ken Morrow. Darche made sure to credit Morrow for putting the team in position to land Schaefer. After watching footage and meeting Schaefer, Darche said the choice became clear. 'I've seen Matthew before,' he said. 'He got hurt during the Junior World Championship, but once I took the job and watched more of him, it was a clear cut. He was going to be our guy.' Also Read: Matthew Tkachuk And Wayne Gretzky Team Up With Donald Trump To Revive Iconic Presidential Fitness Test For Youth Matthew Schaefer's maturity and past struggles impressed Mathieu Darche After meeting Matthew Schaefer at the NHL Combine earlier this year, Mathieu Darche was deeply impressed by the young player's attitude. The combine took place in June 2025, just weeks before the draft. 'The kid is an impressive young man,' Darche said. 'His maturity is beyond his years.' Matthew Schaefer, who lost his mother at a young age, has shown great strength off the ice as well. Darche said the way Schaefer has handled life's challenges made him an even stronger pick for the Islanders. Now, all eyes are on whether Matthew Schaefer will make his NHL debut in fall 2025. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
07-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Islanders No. 1 Pick Matthew Schaefer To Throw Out First Pitch At Mets Game On Monday
New York Islanders No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer will be throwing out the first pitch at the New York Mets game on Monday night against the Cleveland Guardians.
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Islanders Sign Matthew Schaefer To An Entry-Level Contract; How Does It Affect Sharks' Michael Misa?
On Aug. 4, Matthew Schaefer threw out the first pitch at Citi Field, prior to a game between the New York Mets and the Cleveland Guardians. The joy of throwing out the first pitch was likely overshadowed by the feeling of signing his first NHL contract.
