Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders has been named the 2025-26 recipient of the Calder Memorial Trophy. The 18-year-old defenseman was officially awarded the honor by his father Todd, brother Johnny, and Islanders alumnus Matt Martin during a special segment on "GMA3."
Schaefer is the first player in over three decades to win the Calder Trophy unanimously. He received first-place votes on all 198 ballots cast by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. This marks only the second time in history that a player earned all first-place votes for the award, the last being Teemu Selanne of the Winnipeg Jets in 1992-93.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft is the sixth Islander to win the Calder Trophy and the first since Mathew Barzal in 2017-18. At 18 years, 223 days on the final day of the regular season, Schaefer is the youngest Calder winner in NHL history, one day younger than Nathan MacKinnon in 2013-14.
Schaefer’s rookie season was historic in multiple ways. He recorded 23 goals and 36 assists for 59 points in 82 games, breaking the NHL record for most points by an 18-year-old defenseman. His 23 goals matched the single-season record for rookie defensemen, while his total points surpassed Phil Housley’s 57 in 1982-83.
Schaefer’s impact wasn’t limited to the score sheet. He led all NHL rookies in time on ice with 2,023:59 and placed fifth among rookies in plus/minus at +13. He also became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to register a point in his debut and the first rookie defenseman in over 90 years to lead rookies in goals.
The Islanders now turn their attention to the 2026 playoffs. With Schaefer anchoring their blue line, New York is poised to build on a season that already includes one of the most historic rookie campaigns in league history.
The U.S. Men’s National Team’s 2026 World Cup roster has reportedly been finalized ahead of the official announcement, with 13 first-time call-ups set to make their mark on the biggest stage in soccer. According to The Guardian, the U.S. Soccer Federation will unveil the final 26-man squad on Tuesda
just now
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks are reportedly close to a blockbuster trade that would send Morgan Rielly to Vancouver in exchange for Filip Hronek. The deal addresses immediate needs for both teams and aligns with hockey logic, salary cap flexibility, and personal considerations for R
just now
The New York Yankees have signed right-handed pitcher Peter Strzelecki to a minor league contract, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Strzelecki will report to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after clearing waivers following his designation for assignment by the Milwaukee Brewers earlier t
1 hours ago
The Texas Rangers have reclaimed first baseman Blaine Crim off waivers from the Colorado Rockies. Crim has been optioned to Triple-A Round Rock, while right-hander Carter Baumler was moved from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL to create a 40-man roster spot.
1 hours ago