exclusive New York Islanders Ethan Sears Brian Leetch in awe of rookie year Matthew Schaefer has carved out: ‘I was definitely not ready at 18’ By Ethan Sears Published April 10, 2026, 8:37 p.m. ET New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) reacts to a goal by New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee. Robert Sabo for NY Post Brian Leetch’s experience watching Matthew Schaefer this season has been the same as so many of ours.
“When he makes plays, I just shake my head, thinking where I was as an 18-year-old,” Leetch told The Post last week. “I needed that whole year of Olympic play and training with the Olympic team to be ready for the NHL. I was definitely not ready at 18.”
The Rangers great, until Thursday night, was the sole record-holder for goals in a season by a rookie defenseman. Schaefer’s 23rd of the season tied him, and if he scores his 24th over the last three games of the Islanders’ season, No. 48 will further stake his claim to one of the greatest rookie seasons ever.
