Former New York Islanders forward and assistant to the general manager Matt Martin didn't talk much about his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, we are well aware that during his two seasons in Canada, he became incredibly close with superstar Mitch Marner.
While a portion of the Islanders fanbase hoped that Marner would be Long Island-bound, the 28-year-old signed an eight-year deal with the Vegas Golden Knights worth $12 million annually.
Matt Martin on Matthew Schaefer on @CamandStrick:
“But the way he moves on the ice, watching him in development camp, he has a little bit of that Marner where he gets on his edges and his body's going one way, but his feet are like, and you're like, how is he still standing? He… pic.twitter.com/OFgslc2xb1
— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) July 24, 2025
That's pretty high praise for the No. 1 overall pick, whose skating is, no question, his bread and butter. Shifty skating, as we'll call it, makes it very difficult not only for the opposition to slow a player down but also makes it harder to read their movements.
Guys like Schaefer, Marner and Mathew Barzal, amongst others like Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon prey on defensemen who get caught flat-footed.
Islanders prospect Matthew Maggio said that Schaefer's skating reminds him of Quinn Hughes, with Cole Eiserman adding that Schaefer is going to have a 15- to 20-year NHL career due to his footwork.
Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
PHOTO: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
