Islanders' Teenage Defenseman Sets Absurd NHL Ice Time Record

Matthew Schaefer, the Islanders' 18-year-old first overall draft pick, played over 31 minutes in a single game, the most ever for a teenager.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 3:39am

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New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, set a new league record for most ice time by a teenager in a single game, playing over 31 minutes. The 18-year-old phenom dominated play when he was on the ice, with the Islanders outscoring their opponent 2-0 and holding a 36-9 advantage in scoring chances during his shifts.

Why it matters

Schaefer's record-setting performance at such a young age highlights his immense talent and potential to become one of the NHL's elite defensemen. His ability to log heavy minutes and drive play is extremely rare for a player his age, suggesting he could be a franchise-altering talent for the Islanders.

The details

In the Islanders' game on Tuesday night, Schaefer was on the ice for 31 minutes and 59 seconds, the most ever recorded for a teenager in the NHL. The Islanders outscored their opponent 2-0 and held a 36-9 advantage in scoring chances when Schaefer was playing, demonstrating his profound impact on the game.

  • Schaefer set the record on Tuesday night, March 25, 2026.

The players

Matthew Schaefer

An 18-year-old defenseman for the New York Islanders, who was the first overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Schaefer has already set several records as a teenager and is emerging as one of the NHL's top young talents.

New York Islanders

The NHL team that drafted Schaefer first overall and is benefiting from his exceptional play as an 18-year-old rookie.

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What’s next

Schaefer will look to continue his record-breaking season and establish himself as one of the NHL's top young stars. The Islanders will hope his exceptional play can help them make a deep playoff run.

The takeaway

Matthew Schaefer's ability to dominate at such a young age is a testament to his immense talent and potential. His record-setting performance highlights how he could become a franchise-altering player for the Islanders and one of the NHL's elite defensemen for years to come.