Islanders' Matthew Schaefer Hopes for Last Olympics as Fan

The 18-year-old rookie defenseman was considered for Canada's Olympic team but will watch from home this year.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Matthew Schaefer, the 18-year-old rookie defenseman for the New York Islanders, is spending his 11-day Olympic break watching the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina as a fan. Schaefer was up for consideration to join the Canadian national team, which would have made him the youngest pro ever to do so, but ultimately did not make the roster. Despite missing out, Schaefer is still cheering on his Islanders teammate Bo Horvat, who is representing Canada. Schaefer is hoping this will be the last time he watches the Olympics as a fan, as he expects to be playing in future games.

Why it matters

Schaefer's exclusion from the Canadian Olympic team despite his stellar rookie NHL season highlights his immense talent and potential. At just 18 years old, he is already being considered for the highest levels of international competition, a testament to his skill and the high expectations surrounding his future in the sport.

The details

In his first four months in the NHL, Schaefer has been nothing short of phenomenal, scoring 16 goals and adding 23 assists in 58 games. He is just one goal shy of tying the NHL record for most goals scored by a defenseman aged 18 or younger. While he did not make the Canadian Olympic team this year, Schaefer is hoping that this will be the last time he watches the Olympics as a fan, and that he will be playing in future gold-medal games.

  • Schaefer is spending his 11-day Olympic break watching the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.
  • Team Canada faces Czechia in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Winter Games on Wednesday morning.

The players

Matthew Schaefer

An 18-year-old rookie defenseman for the New York Islanders who was up for consideration to join the Canadian national team for the 2026 Winter Olympics, which would have made him the youngest pro ever to do so.

Bo Horvat

Schaefer's New York Islanders teammate who is representing Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Team Canada

The Canadian national ice hockey team competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

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What they’re saying

“I'm still gonna be a kid, still gonna watch it. I love watching all the NHL players, and Bo is on the team, so I can cheer for him, too. No matter what, it was gonna be a win for me. It's obviously my first season, and you have to go and get some rest, but just to have my name be in consideration, that was pretty cool. But they have a great team, and I've been cheering them on this whole time.”

— Matthew Schaefer (amNewYork)

What’s next

Team Canada faces Czechia in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Winter Games on Wednesday morning.

The takeaway

Schaefer's exclusion from the Canadian Olympic team despite his stellar rookie NHL season highlights his immense talent and potential. At just 18 years old, he is already being considered for the highest levels of international competition, a testament to his skill and the high expectations surrounding his future in the sport.