NHL
New York Islanders
Matthew Schaefer

Islanders D Schaefer wins Calder Trophy as NHL’s top rookie

By
The Canadian Press

Published: 

ELMONT, NEW YORK - MARCH 13: Matthew Schaefer #48 of the New York Islanders celebrates after assisting a goal by Emil Heineman (not pictured) against the Los Angeles Kings during the third period at UBS Arena on March 13, 2026 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/NHLI via Getty Images) (Steven Ryan/NHLI via Getty Images)

NEW YORK — New York Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer has been awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie.

Selected first overall in the 2025 NHL draft, Schaefer is the sixth Islander to win the Calder Trophy and the youngest winner in NHL history at 18 years and 223 days.

He is also the first unanimous winner since Winnipeg Jets forward Teemu Selanne in 1992-93 after earning the first-place vote on all 198 ballots cast.

Schaefer set NHL records for an 18-year-old defenseman with 23 goals and 59 points.

He also led all rookies in ice time with over 2,023 minutes and finished fifth among rookies with a plus-13 rating.

Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov, who finished second in voting, and Anaheim Ducks winger Beckett Sennecke were the other finalists. Montreal goaltender Jakub Dobes was fourth in voting.


This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2026.

The Canadian Press