In some of the least surprising news since the fall sometime, the NHL announced the 2025-26 rookie of the year winner. The New York Islanders superstar defenceman Matthew Schaefer Calder Trophy announcement was only a matter of housekeeping. Ever since the 2025 first-overall draft pick was drafted, we knew he was something different. So, let’s discuss what made him so dominant.
Credit Image: © Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times via ZUMA Press Wire
2025-26 New York Islander Matthew Schaefer Calder Trophy Winner
BREAKING: Matthew Schaefer has won the Calder Trophy pic.twitter.com/LpalwnJ4RB
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) May 13, 2026
Early in the season, a few other candidates had made their presence known. The Montreal Canadien sniper Ivan Demidov was known to be a top candidate. He did well to lead the NHL in rookie scoring with 62 points. In addition, even though he faded somewhat as the season progressed, Ryan Leonard had himself in the discussion. Furthermore, the one player who put himself on the map throughout the campaign was Beckett Sennecke of the Anaheim Ducks. Sennecke ended up second in rookie scoring with 60 points. But they all pale in comparison to today’s winner Matthew Schaefer Calder Trophy season.
Breaking Down Schaefer’s Season
One (green) flag for Schaefer’s excellence was the fact he only appeared in 17 games in junior during his draft year. Despite this, the Islanders had no problem calling his name first overall. And they made no mistake, none at all.
The Hamilton native will be a staple on the Islanders defence for years to come. Schaefer composes himself beyond his years, and exudes that same confidence on the ice.
He finished the campaign third in rookie scoring with 59 points. That was the 11th most all-time for a rookie defenceman. Furthermore, his 23 goals tied him with Phil Housley for the most ever. His ability to attack and still be responsible defensively has been something to marvel. In one of the worst kept secrets, we now know that Schaefer is the 2025-26 Calder Memorial Trophy as league’s top rookie.
Main Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
