Matthew Schaefer
Matthew Schaefer is a Canadian NHL defenseman for the New York Islanders, sharing his hockey journey and supporting families affected by cancer.
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Latest
Matthew’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
NHL
NHL
NOBULLOverview
- Born
- September 5, 2007 · Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Sport
- Ice hockey · Defenseman
- Team
- New York Islanders · No. 48
- Breakout
- First overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft
Mini bio
How it started.
Schaefer came through the Halton Hurricanes before Erie chose him first overall in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection. He also captained Ontario at the 2023 Canada Winter Games and scored the championship winner in double overtime. Erie made him its first defenseman selected first overall.
The road to New York.
He captained Canada to gold at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. A broken collarbone at the World Juniors cut short his next season, but his 22 points in 17 OHL games helped establish him as a leading draft prospect. The Islanders took him first in June 2025.
Family at the heart of it.
His mother, Jennifer, died of breast cancer in February 2024. On draft night he kissed the awareness ribbon on his Islanders jersey, which also carried her initials. He has since made supporting families part of his public life, including sharing his contract signing with children who had lost loved ones.
On and off the ice.
His first NHL season ended with 23 goals and 59 points in 82 games. Away from games, his NOBULL work gives fans a look at the training behind his hockey, from gym sessions to work on the ice.
Creditschronological, newest first
Hockey
- 2025–presentNew York IslandersNHL defenseman
- 2024Hlinka Gretzky CupCanada captain · Gold medal
- 2023–2025Erie OttersOHL defenseman
Brand collaborations
- 2026NOBULL: Outworking Every DayAthlete and featured interviewee
Awards
Quotes
I have high expectations for myself, and I love to work hard and get better at things each and every day.Matthew Schaefer, NOBULL
Speaking during a photoshoot for his January 2026 NOBULL athlete feature.
Trivia
- He followed Connor McDavid and Ryan O’Reilly as Erie’s third first overall OHL pick.
- His older brother Jonathan also played in the OHL.
- He lived with Matt Martin and his family during his first NHL season.
Find Matthew
Follow Matthew for hockey, training and the causes close to his heart.
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