""I think Maysey will play maybe a big brother role for him and help him out. Make him vocal out there, so I think it's going to help him out a lot.""
""His first step is, you know, phenomenal," said Mayfield. "You watch when we transition up the ice, he's just, boom - he's up the ice already. He's got that speed.""
""It's always talking. You know, if he has a question, being able to answer it. I know the systems well, I know what Patty (Roy) and the coaching staff want. What they expect out of us. For me, it's just helping him out anyway I can if he has questions. Or on the ice, backing him up, making sure I'm there for him, talking. You know, kind of just being that steady presence.""
Matthew Schaefer entered his first NHL training camp 13 days after turning 18 as the 2025 draft's first overall pick and a focal point for the New York Islanders. Head Coach Patrick Roy paired Schaefer with longtime Islander Scott Mayfield immediately, with an opening-night pairing possible against Pittsburgh. Schaefer's standout ability is pushing the puck up the ice from his own zone and using elite first-step speed in transition. Mayfield's stay-at-home style can provide defensive cover and allow Schaefer freedom to join the rush. Mayfield emphasizes communication, steady presence, and answering questions to ease Schaefer's jump from juniors to the NHL.
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