Schaefer, #1 Pick, Scores First NHL Goal; Islanders Lose

New York – Matthew Schaefer will forever remember his first goal in the NHL. The 18-year-old defenseman, selected in the first position of this year’s draft, threw himself headfirst into the moment, literally. Schaefer took advantage of a loose puck after a scramble in front of the net and launched forward, pushing it past Washington Capitals goalie Logan Thompson at 4:28 of the third period in the Islanders’ 4-2 loss on Saturday night.

It’s crazy, I love these fans. Hearing your name chanted there is incredible, it definitely feels like home. We want to win for the fans and we want to be there every night for them. They come out every night for us.

Matthew Schaefer

The goal cut Washington’s lead to two, but the Islanders couldn’t rally, falling to 0-2 on the season. However, it was a milestone for the rookie, who made the team after training camp, months after being the first name called in the draft in Los Angeles.

To be honest, he dominated the game. He was our best player tonight. He was moving, obviously contributing. He’s very effective out there. He feels more and more comfortable in each game. He’s a special player, we’re lucky to have him.

Bo Horvat

Schaefer’s performance has already earned the full confidence of the coaching staff. After getting an assist for his first point in the NHL, playing 17:15 minutes in the Islanders’ 4-3 season-opening loss in Pittsburgh on Thursday, he had a playing time of 26:04 minutes in this game. Islanders coach Patrick Roy commented on Schaefer’s workload: “I’m not balancing anything right now with the way he’s playing. He forced me to play him, he forced us to play him, so we’ll give him more time.” Few players have entered the draft with less recent game experience. Schaefer played only 17 games for Erie of the Ontario Hockey League in 2024-25, missing time due to mononucleosis and later a broken collarbone suffered while representing Canada at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship. Still, he managed 22 points (seven goals, 15 assists) and a +21 rating. The Ontario native also captained Canada to gold medals at the 2024 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Now, at just 18 years old and already on the NHL ice, his first goal offered a glimpse of why the Islanders expect great things from the young man in the coming years.