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Todd McLellan had some words for Islanders' first overall pick Matthew Schaefer ahead of Thursday's faceoff
Photo credit: Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
Detroit Red Wings head coach Todd McLellan had some words for rookie Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders ahead of Thursday's game.
The New York Islanders and defenseman Matthew Schaefer put the hurt on the Detroit Red Wings Thursday.
The Islanders shut out the Red Wings in a surprising 5-0 loss.
One player who was helpful in the team's defeat of the Red Wings, who occupy the 1st spot in the Atlantic, is defenseman Matthew Schaefer.
Selected 1st overall in 2025, the generational talent has been a revelation for the Islanders, scoring 15 points (7-8) in 21 games for the Islanders, and is positioning himself for a Calder Trophy.
The rookie defenseman continued his impressive career start against the Red Wings Thursday.
The New York Islanders' Matther Schaefer, a Generational Talent Recognized by Todd McLellan
Todd McLellan acknowledged the rookie's skill and complimented him ahead of tonight's game
Schaefer would play 24:12 minutes on the ice tonight as the team's top defenseman.
As you can tell, McLellan is impressed with the rookie:
«Wow. Anytime a young man goes first overall, you expect a lot from him but from the outside, we didn't expect quite this type of performance. The fans in that community will be really lucky to watch him for many years."
"He's a powerful, effortless skater who will be able to close gaps and transition up ice at a clear NHL level. He uses his feet to attack often, leading and supporting rushes very well. Schaefer is a very intelligent defenseman with legit offensive skills."
Corey Pronman - The Athletic
Corey Pronman - The Athletic
Schaefer has proven he's as advertised, as the transition to the NHL has been smooth sailing for the 1st OA pick in 2025.
Joining a struggling Islanders team whose prospects are looking up thanks to him.
They're 3rd in the Metropolitan Division and will climb in the standings after Thursday's win against the Red Wings.
The Islanders are 12-7-2 and have finally found their rhythm, with Schaefer leading the way.
Unfortunately, the Red Wings have yet to crush Schaefer's game under heel yet this season.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 21 | 237 ANSWERS Todd McLellan had some words for Islanders' first overall pick Matthew Schaefer ahead of Thursday's faceoff Do you think defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders will win the Calder Trophy? | ||
| Yes | 169 | 71.3 % |
| No | 68 | 28.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
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