"If one had stood up on the strong side, it would have been an easy pass for him. So we didn't give him much of a chance on that play. Between you and I, it happens. I mean, I fumbled a few bucks in my career. I could tell you that. It happens. I mean, no one's perfect, but he's a strong person as well."
"Schaefer gave a real glimpse of his speed when Matvei Michkov was sprung on a breakaway in OT with plenty of space between himself and the Islanders' closest defender. The young defenseman chased down Michkov, catching him in no time, hassling him, resulting in a weak shot and an easy save. Just an absolutely insane defensive backcheck from Matthew Schaefer on Matvei Michkov 😱In the first overall pick's first NHL game too 😳(via @OSulr81) pic.twitter.com/CqRBhSJOdg- B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) September 22, 2025"
Matthew Schaefer made his Islanders preseason debut showing explosive speed and a willingness to jump into transition. He chased down Matvei Michkov on an overtime breakaway, disrupted the chance, and forced a weak shot that resulted in an easy save. The debut also included two penalties and a turnover that directly led to a Flyers goal. Head Coach Patrick Roy emphasized team responsibility, praised Schaefer's mental strength, and encouraged confidence. Schaefer demonstrated traits of the offensive-defenseman the Islanders have lacked, pairing playmaking upside with typical rookie growing pains.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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