Matthew Schaefer, Islanders sensation, in Canada’s sights for the Olympics
The young defenseman for the New York Islanders, Matthew Schaefer, has earned a place in consideration for the Canadian Olympic team.
The Islanders confirmed that 18-year-old Schaefer has been included in the preliminary list of Team Canada for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games, scheduled for February of next year. Schaefer has already entered the International Olympic Committee’s anti-doping testing protocol, a crucial step for his Olympic eligibility.
Schaefer, selected as the first overall pick in the NHL Draft in June, was not one of the 13 defensemen invited to the National Team Orientation Camp last summer. However, his impressive start to his first NHL season has put him on Team Canada’s radar.
The player accumulates 15 points in 20 games, being the rookie with the most points this season. In addition, he averages 22:30 minutes of ice time per game, the highest among rookies.
It is expected that most of the seven Team Canada defensemen who won the 4 Nations Face-Off championship last February will be part of the winter Olympic roster, as long as they do not suffer injuries. The Olympic roster has eight defensemen, which could open the door for a player like Schaefer to fill that additional spot.
The native of Hamilton, Ontario, has already represented Canada internationally at the U18 and U20 junior world championships.
Schaefer joins a select group of young NHL stars vying for a spot on the Canadian team this season.
The deadline for submitting the 25-player rosters for each Olympic team is December 31st.
