New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer has clinched the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie. Schaefer, who was the top pick in the 2025 NHL draft, is now the youngest winner in NHL history at 18 years and 223 days, surpassing Nathan MacKinnon’s record set in 2013-14 by just one day.
With a remarkable achievement, Schaefer becomes the first unanimous winner since Teemu Selanne in 1992-93, securing the top spot on all 198 ballots cast. Setting a new standard for 18-year-old defensemen, Schaefer scored 23 goals and accumulated 59 points, breaking NHL records.
Moreover, Schaefer led all rookies in ice time, logging over 2,023 minutes, and ended with a plus-13 rating, placing fifth among rookie players. Ivan Demidov of the Montreal Canadiens and Beckett Sennecke of the Anaheim Ducks were the other top contenders, with Montreal’s Jakub Dobes securing the fourth position in the voting.
Schaefer’s exceptional performance has garnered widespread praise, with former Islanders coach Patrick Roy describing his play as “almost contagious.” The journey leading to Schaefer’s outstanding rookie season, following his selection as the top pick in the 2025 NHL draft, was highlighted in an interview with CBC News chief correspondent Adrienne Arsenault.