Islanders Secure Their Prospect Matthew Schaefer with Contract
The New York Islanders have officially signed Matthew Schaefer, the first draft pick, to a three-year entry-level contract. The announcement was made on Monday, coinciding with Schaefer’s ceremonial first pitch at the New York Mets game against the Cleveland Guardians. Schaefer, who will turn 18 next month, just before the start of training camp, expressed his enthusiasm. “It feels incredible,” Schaefer said at Citi Field. “Obviously, it’s something I’ve wanted to do my whole life and to do it in your first year… There’s still a lot of work to do, but that was my dream and I want to play in the NHL this season. I wanted it a lot. I know a lot of hard work will come, but I think I’m ready.” The signing of the contract does not guarantee Schaefer’s participation in the NHL this season. The Islanders could choose to send him back to the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League. Additionally, there is a possibility that he will represent Canada at the World Junior Championship in late December and early January. Schaefer suffered a broken collarbone at last year’s tournament, which ended his season, and recently returned to the ice at Canada’s summer event for the World Junior Championship.“I think it was massive for me to participate in those games and get those reps because obviously I haven’t played in quite a while,” Schaefer commented.
Matthew Schaefer
