Islanders' Schaefer Nearly Made Team Canada's Olympic Roster at 18

Veteran coach Peter DeBoer praises the rookie defenseman's maturity and early-season impact.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 1:07pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action of the sport.Schaefer's near-Olympic selection at just 18 underscores his remarkable talent and maturity, making him one of the NHL's most exciting young stars.NYC Today

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the 2025 first overall pick, came within a hair's breadth of making Canada's Olympic hockey team for the 2026 Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, according to former Team Canada assistant coach Peter DeBoer. Despite his young age, Schaefer's standout rookie season has already drawn high praise from the veteran NHL bench boss.

Why it matters

Schaefer's near-Olympic selection at just 18 years old underscores his remarkable maturity and talent, making him one of the most exciting young players in the NHL. His rapid rise also highlights the difficult decisions facing Team Canada's management as they balance experienced veterans with promising newcomers.

The details

DeBoer, who is now the new head coach of the Islanders, revealed that Schaefer was very close to earning a spot on Canada's Olympic roster. The team's management closely evaluated all the league's defensemen, and DeBoer admitted he was stunned by Schaefer's level of play in the first half of the season. However, the final roster ultimately favored more experienced players who had delivered in major tournaments before.

  • In the 2026 Winter Olympics, DeBoer served as an assistant coach under Jon Cooper.
  • Schaefer is currently in the midst of a historic rookie season with the New York Islanders.

The players

Peter DeBoer

The new head coach of the New York Islanders who previously served as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Matthew Schaefer

An 18-year-old rookie defenseman for the New York Islanders who nearly made Canada's Olympic hockey team in 2026.

Jon Cooper

The head coach of the Canadian men's hockey team at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Doug Armstrong

The former general manager of the Canadian men's hockey team who stepped down from the role after the 2026 Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“(Team Canada's management group) watched closely all the defenders in the league. Honestly, I couldn't believe my eyes the 1st half of the year what I was seeing from an 18yo. The maturity .. he was within a razor of being on that Olympic Team at 18.”

— Peter DeBoer, New York Islanders Head Coach

What’s next

Schaefer's trajectory suggests international selection is only a matter of time, and his continued development will be closely watched as he aims to make future Canadian Olympic and World Championship teams.

The takeaway

Schaefer's near-Olympic selection at just 18 years old underscores his remarkable talent and maturity, making him one of the NHL's most exciting young stars. His rapid rise also highlights the difficult decisions facing national team management as they balance experienced veterans with promising newcomers.