New York Islanders Ethan Sears Matthew Schaefer won’t let you forget just how rare a talent he is By Ethan Sears Published Feb. 27, 2026, 6:07 p.m. ET Matthew Schaefer #48 of the New York Islanders celebrates after scoring a goal against the Canadiens. NHLI via Getty Images COLUMBUS, Ohio — Three weeks without watching Matthew Schaefer play hockey and you almost forgot what this 18-year-old wunderkind is and what he can do. Almost.
And then there he was Thursday night, under the bright lights of the Bell Centre, pulling the Islanders out of a funk and into the game. Again. The record books can give you reminder after reminder of how rare it is for anyone to do what Schaefer is doing. Or you can just watch him play.
How many guys in the world can make a play like Schaefer made at 18:51 of the second period Thursday night, when he skated with the puck all the way up the ice, cut around the back of the net, landed above the right circle, cut to the middle, recognized where Noah Dobson would put his stick, then shot and scored before Dobson could put it there? Maybe five.
The Islanders play one of their most important games of the season Saturday against the Blue Jackets, and it is in large part because of Schaefer that they flew to Columbus after a 4-3 win. It is in large part because of Schaefer that they are in a position to play important games as the calendar turns to March.
