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Islanders’ Schaefer Wins Calder Trophy Unanimously

8/19/2026

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Summary

Schaefer Wins Calder

Matthew Schaefer, 18-year-old Islanders defenseman, won the Calder Trophy as the first unanimous winner since 1992-93 and the first rookie defenseman to lead in goals.
Victor Eklund, the 16th overall pick, recorded an assist in his NHL debut on April 14 in a loss to Carolina.
Malte Gustafsson signed a three-year deal on July 14 and could play for Sweden at the 2027 World Junior Championship.

Summary

DeBoer Replaces

Peter DeBoer replaced Patrick Roy as head coach to improve the Islanders.
The right-hand defensive lineup remains the biggest uncertainty as training camp nears.
Moving Matthew Schaefer to right defense would shift Ryan Pulock to the second pair with Alexander Romanov.
The Athletic’s ninth-place prospect ranking is contested because Schaefer’s inclusion inflates the assessment.

History

Historical Context

Selected first overall in the 2025 draft, defenseman Matthew Schaefer debuted in October 2025 and won the unanimous Calder Trophy on May 13 2026 with 23 goals and 59 points. His rookie goal total tied Brian Leetch’s 1994 Islanders record, the same player who earned the Conn Smythe as the first American-born playoff MVP. The back-to-back defensive breakthroughs highlight the franchise’s reliance on young blueliners.

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Schaefer Wins Calder

Matthew Schaefer, 18-year-old Islanders defenseman, won the Calder Trophy as the first unanimous winner since 1992-93 and the first rookie defenseman to lead in goals.
Victor Eklund, the 16th overall pick, recorded an assist in his NHL debut on April 14 in a loss to Carolina.
Malte Gustafsson signed a three-year deal on July 14 and could play for Sweden at the 2027 World Junior Championship.

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