Schaefer Wins Unanimous Calder Trophy

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, was named the unanimous winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie on Wednesday, receiving all first-place votes from the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

The 18-year-old from Hamilton, Ontario, became the youngest Calder winner in NHL history at 18 years and 223 days old on the final day of the regular season. He was surprised with the award during an appearance on Good Morning America, where his father, siblings, and former Islanders forward Matt Martin presented it to him. Schaefer is the sixth player in franchise history to claim the honor, joining Denis Potvin, Bryan Trottier, Mike Bossy, Bryan Berard, and Mathew Barzal.

Schaefer's rookie season was historic. In all 82 games, he recorded 23 goals and 36 assists for 59 points, tying Brian Leetch's league record for most goals by a rookie defenseman from 1988-89. He also became the youngest defenseman to reach 20 goals and 50 points in a season, led all rookies with eight power-play goals and 222 shots on goal, and notched four game-winning goals. Averaging a league-high 24:41 of ice time among...