EAST MEADOW, N.Y. – The air at the New York Islanders` training camp is thick with anticipation, a palpable hum that often accompanies the arrival of a generational talent. This year, that hum coalesces around Matthew Schaefer, the team`s top overall pick, who is swiftly proving he`s more than just a future cornerstone; he`s a remarkably present force. At a mere 18 years old, Schaefer is not just knocking on the NHL door; he`s politely, yet firmly, requesting a permanent residence.
From the moment skates hit the ice, Schaefer has been an undeniable presence. Drafted with the first pick, expectations were understandably monumental. Yet, rather than wilting under the spotlight, Schaefer has embraced the challenge, making an immediate and profound impression. He`s been strategically paired with veteran defenceman Scott Mayfield, a move that speaks volumes about the coaching staff`s confidence in his readiness, as well as their commitment to his accelerated development.
The Roy Effect: Mentorship from a Legend
Adding another layer of intrigue is the direct mentorship Schaefer is receiving from none other than Head Coach Patrick Roy. A Hockey Hall of Famer and a goaltending legend, Roy`s presence on the bench offers a unique advantage. One might imagine the pressure of having such an icon`s eyes on you, but Schaefer appears to thrive on it. Roy, known for his ability to nurture elite talent, isn`t just offering casual tips; he`s actively shaping Schaefer`s game, a process Schaefer welcomes with an earnestness beyond his years.
Roy`s approach to Schaefer mirrors his successful strategy with former Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon, another first-overall pick he coached over a decade ago. The philosophy is clear: start small, build a foundation, and then progressively unlock opportunities for more ice time as performance dictates. This measured, yet ambitious, plan suggests Schaefer isn`t just being thrown into the deep end; he`s being equipped with lessons from one of the game`s finest minds, ensuring he learns to swim with championship strokes.
Earning His Stripes: The Auxiliary Locker Room Saga
Perhaps the most telling detail, sprinkled with a touch of good-natured irony, is Schaefer’s current billet in the auxiliary locker room. For a top pick, one might expect a red carpet treatment directly into the inner sanctum. Instead, Schaefer finds himself in a slightly less opulent setting, a temporary station that, paradoxically, cements his “earn it” mentality. “Yeah, 100 per cent,” Schaefer quips, “I think everyone’s looking to earn that big spot in the locker room with the guys. Looking to get in the big room there. A little bit more resources in that room, I’d say: cold tubs and stuff.” It’s a humble, yet astute, observation that perfectly encapsulates his desire to prove himself, not merely inherit a spot. The promise of better amenities, specifically those coveted cold tubs, seems a perfectly reasonable incentive for a future NHL star.
“He’s a quality person. He just wants to learn. I think when you’re saying things that make sense, he’s smart enough to use it.”
Coach Roy, ever the astute judge of character, notes, “He’s a quality person. He just wants to learn. I think when you’re saying things that make sense, he’s smart enough to use it.” This willingness to absorb knowledge, particularly from a three-time Stanley Cup champion and a man with over a thousand NHL games under his belt, is a testament to Schaefer’s maturity.
A Professional Beyond His Years
The sentiment is echoed throughout the Islanders’ locker room. Veterans, from captain Anders Lee to seasoned forwards like Bo Horvat, Mathew Barzal, and Kyle Palmieri, have all taken notice of Schaefer’s exceptional maturity and unwavering dedication. Fourth-liner Casey Cizikas, a stalwart of the Islanders’ hardworking identity, observes, “The work that he puts in, the dedication that he has to the game and the way that he conducts himself every single day, he’s a pro in and out.”
This is not the starry-eyed rookie overwhelmed by the bright lights, but a young man singularly focused on the task at hand. His impressive showing at rookie camp seamlessly transitioned into a standout performance on the first day of main camp. The path ahead is clear: continue this trajectory, and Schaefer will undoubtedly be a key fixture on the Islanders’ blue line when they open their season on October 8th against Pittsburgh.
Matthew Schaefer’s journey with the Islanders is just beginning, but if his initial impressions are any indication, the future on Long Island is not just bright; it’s dazzling. The auxiliary locker room, with its temporary charms, will soon be a distant memory, replaced by the prime real estate of a deserved NHL roster spot, complete with all the essential “cold tubs and stuff.”
