Matthew Schaefer has taken the NHL by storm to begin the 2025-26 season.
The 2025 first-overall pick is just three games into his career and has already started to make his mark, looking like a true number one defenseman in the making.
Everywhere he's gone so far, Schaefer has amazed the opposing organization and fanbase. It began with his skating being compared to that of Connor McDavid during his debut in Pittsburgh, and following Monday's game, he received another lofty comparison from Scott Arniel.
The Winnipeg Jets head coach raved about Schaefer's skill set, likening it to Colorado Avalanche superstar defenseman Cale Makar. Isles Rumor shared the clip with his comments on X (formerly Twitter).
"I just made the comment to management I'm glad he's in the east. The kid is dynamic; boy, can he skate? I've seen some young guys step into this league; there's a guy in Colorado that kind of had that same kind of poise and ability to move. He is dynamic. I saw some video, watched him on TV last year, but to see him live, man oh man, he can jump, he can skate. He has some tools. Like I said, I'm glad he's in the east," Arniel said.
Winnipeg Jets HC Scott Arniel just compared Matthew Schaefer to Cale Makar:
— Isles Rumor (@IslesRumor) October 13, 2025
"I just made the comment to management that I am glad he is in the east. That kid is dynamic, boy can he skate. There's a guy in Colorado who has that same kind of poise and ability to move" #Isles pic.twitter.com/gslnwavcYM
The 18-year-old's production has matched the eye test thus far, as he's tallied one goal and two assists for three points in his first three games played.
Schaefer's heavy workload
Rarely do you see teenagers enter the NHL and make an immediate impact, let alone emerge as the team's borderline best player from the jump. However, that just might be the case with Matthew Schaefer.
After playing just over 17 minutes in his debut, the Islanders blueliner has logged consecutive 26+ minute workloads, also taking over as the quarterback on the top power play unit.
It shouldn't come as a surprise, given Schaefer's talent and what he showed during his shortened 2024-25 season at the junior level, but it still truly is remarkable to watch how quickly and easily he's adjusted to the pro game.
He and the Isles will look to get their first win of the new campaign at home on Thursday night against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers.