Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer unanimous Calder Trophy winner
New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer He has gained the Calder Memorial Trophy because the NHL’s rookie of the 12 months and is the primary unanimous selection for the award in 33 years.
Schaefer, 18, was stunned with the trophy throughout an interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” His father, Todd; his brother, Johnny; and former Islanders participant Matt Martin and Martin’s two daughters have been current for the massive reveal.
Schaefer lived with the Martins final season.
Schaefer devoted his win to his late mom, Jennifer, who he misplaced to breast most cancers in 2024. Schaefer lately partnered with the Islanders Children’s Foundation and Northwell Health to create a toddler assist heart for most cancers sufferers and their households.
“We’ve done a lot as a family. My mom’s helped me and my family so much with everything. We’ve had some tough losses, but it hasn’t stopped us as a family. We’ve gotten a lot closer,” a tearful Schaefer stated. “This definitely means a lot. This year was super important to me.”
The NHL determined to not delay the inevitable, naming Schaefer rookie of the 12 months simply over every week after revealing the finalists. The Islanders defenseman was a unanimous selection from the Professional Hockey Writers Association voters on all 198 ballots. He’s the primary ROY winner to brush the first-place votes since Teemu Selanne of the Winnipeg Jets in 1992-93.
Montreal Canadiens ahead Ivan Demidov20, was second within the voting, incomes 120 second-place votes. Anaheim Ducks ahead Beckett Sennecke20, was third.
Schaefer had a transformative impact on the Islanders on and off the ice. He completed with 23 objectives, tied for first amongst rookies, and 36 assists for 59 factors — breaking Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Housley’s document for factors by an 18-year-old defenseman. It was one in every of a number of new requirements set by Schaefer, who additionally tied Hall of Famer Brian Leetch for objectives scored by a rookie defenseman.
His boundless enthusiasm and charisma modified the vibe for a franchise in want of a jolt. The Islanders challenged for a playoff spot within the Eastern Conference earlier than fading late within the season. Schaefer was so good so rapidly that he performed himself into the dialog for a Team Canada roster spot for the Winter Olympics earlier than lacking the minimize.
