The New York Islanders knew defenseman Matthew Schaefer was talented when they selected him with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, but they didn’t know he’d make history.
Schaefer (18 years and 223 days old) became the youngest player to unanimously win the Calder Memorial Trophy (NHL’s Rookie of the Year) on Wednesday. He’s the first unanimous Calder Trophy winner since Hockey Hall of Fame right winger Teemu Selanne with the Winnipeg Jets during the 1992-93 season.
Matthew Schaefer was awarded the Calder Trophy
Schaefer received the trophy during an interview with ABC’s “Good Morning America.” His father, Todd, his brother, Johnny, and former Islanders left winger Matt Martin surprised him with the award. The rookie defenseman lived with Martin this past season.
Matthew Schaefer then dedicated the win to his mother, Jennifer, who died of breast cancer in 2024. He and the team recently partnered to create a child support center for cancer patients and their families, donating $150K.