New York Islanders first overall pick Matthew Schaefer is now the proud owner of a three-year entry-level deal after putting pen to paper on Monday.
Islanders Sign No. 1 Pick Matthew Schaefer To Entry-Level DealThe New York Islanders announced that they have signed No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer to his entry-level deal.
Contrary to popular belief, the contract is a legal one despite Schaefer not turning 18 until Sept. 5, which is when the contract ultimately kicks in.
Because Schaefer signed his ELC, that eliminates his ability to play in the NCAA this fall.
"I mean me, personally, I want to play in the NHL," Schaefer told us after throwing out the first pitch at the New York Mets game on Monday night. "Other people would always ask me 'where do you want to go?' But for me, I was so dialed in on wanting to play in the NHL. And when I set goals for myself, I work as hard as I can so I can get to that point.”
So, with college off the table, here are the options for the Islanders when it comes to Schaefer.
This is a reminder that Schaefer, under this collective bargaining agreement, is ineligible from playing in the American Hockey League, with the minum age being 20.
Schaefer turns 18 on Sept. 5.
OPTION 1: Plays in the NHL Full Time
The Islanders do not want to rush Schaefer. However, if they believe he's 100% ready to contribute in 2025-26 and proves his capabilities during training camp and preseason, he will likely make the team. There's an opening on the bottom pairing alongside either Scott Mayfield or Adam Boqvist, and it will be up to Schaefer to beat out fellow youngster Isaiah George.
Even if Schaefer makes the Islanders, that doesn't mean he has to play every day—just like we saw with Noah Dobson back in the day. There's value in practicing with an NHL team and getting your feet wet.
Once Schaefer plays over 10 games with the Islanders, that will burn the first season of his ELC, which brings us to the next option.
OPTION 2: Plays Nine Games Then Goes Back to Erie Otters
Schaefer may show well in training camp and earn a spot ahead of the 2025-26 season, but because of the 10-game rule when it comes to burning a year off an ELC, most youngsters get what we call a nine-game sample size.
After those nine games, the team will evaluate the player and decide whether or not he should remain with the big club or be returned to his junior team, which is the OHL's Erie Otters.
This past season, Calum Ritchie played seven games for the Colorado Avalanche before he was returned to the OHL's Oshawa Generals.
Because Schaefer only played 17 games for Erie last season due to mono and a broken collarbone, the Islanders would have to weigh whether staying with the NHL team in a bottom-pairing role is best for his development—or if playing top-pairing minutes on his talented junior team would prove more beneficial.
If, after the nine games, the Islanders believe sending Schaefer back to juniors is best, he would be ineligible to return to the NHL roster until after his OHL season ends.
OPTION 3: Plays More Than 10 Games but Still Goes Back to Erie
There is a world—not a realistic one—where Schaefer plays over 10 games with the Islanders and still heads back to juniors. For the Islanders and Schaefer, it's all about not rushing him. If they feel that he deserved more than nine games but maybe started to struggle around game 15, they could loan him back to juniors, where he'd have to remain for the rest of the junior season.
This is not a popular move, as the Islanders would be burning a year of team control for just a few extra games. But again, his development matters more.
Final Thoughts
Schaefer is going to be given every opportunity to make the Islanders. With Dobson now with the Montreal Canadiens, the Islanders don't just have a hole at 5-on-5 for a puck-moving defenseman—they also have a hole on the power play, even with Tony DeAngelo back on a one-year deal.
While beating out George for an NHL spot for that final starting defenseman gig won't be a cakewalk, Schaefer provides a clear need for this team. And if he can execute at training camp and show that he can handle NHL physicality while not deviating from his game, he'll make the team.
PHOTO: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
