Rookie Defenseman Matthew Schaefer Poised to Make NHL History

Islanders rookie defenseman could tie or break NHL rookie goals record against Penguins

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:52pm

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Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, an 18-year-old rookie, is sitting at 22 goals on the season and could tie or break the NHL single-season record for goals by a rookie defenseman (23) when the Islanders host the Penguins on Monday, March 30.

Why it matters

Schaefer's potential record-breaking performance would be a historic moment for the young player and the Islanders franchise. The Islanders are also in a tight playoff race in the Eastern Conference, making this a crucial game for their postseason hopes.

The details

Schaefer was favored to be a top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft and has already made a major impact for the Islanders this season. He leads the team in goals (22), assists (34), and plus-minus (+21) while averaging a team-high 24:30 time on ice. On March 24, he set an NHL record for most ice time by a teenager in a single game with 31:59. Schaefer is chasing the NHL rookie defenseman goals record of 23, set by Hall of Famer Brian Leetch in 1988-89.

  • Schaefer has 22 goals so far this season.
  • The NHL single-season record for goals by a rookie defenseman is 23, set by Brian Leetch in 1988-89.
  • Schaefer will have the chance to tie or break the record when the Islanders host the Penguins on Monday, March 30 at 7 p.m. ET.

The players

Matthew Schaefer

An 18-year-old rookie defenseman for the New York Islanders who is on the verge of setting the NHL single-season record for goals by a rookie defenseman.

Brian Leetch

Hall of Fame defenseman who set the NHL single-season record for goals by a rookie defenseman with 23 in 1988-89.

Sidney Crosby

Superstar center for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who Schaefer grew up idolizing.

Evgeni Malkin

Future Hall of Fame center for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who is expected to retire after this season.

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What they’re saying

“I don't normally wager or recommend NHL props but will take a shot on Monday on a potentially historic goal from Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer when New York hosts Pittsburgh at 7 p.m. ET on the NHL Network to close a five-game homestand.”

— Matt Severance, Most active NHL bettor at SportsLine

What’s next

If Schaefer scores a goal against the Penguins on Monday, he will tie the NHL single-season record for goals by a rookie defenseman. He will have two more chances to break the record - against the Hurricanes on April 4 and in the regular season finale against the Hurricanes on April 14.

The takeaway

Matthew Schaefer's potential record-breaking performance would cement his status as one of the NHL's top young talents and a key part of the Islanders' future. It would also be a historic moment for the franchise as they push for a playoff spot in the tight Eastern Conference race.