Hockey icon Wayne Gretzky has thrown his support behind New York Islanders’ rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer as a contender for the NHL MVP award. Schaefer, the top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, has been making waves in his debut season with the Islanders, showcasing remarkable skill and leadership on the blue line.
During a recent segment on NHL on TNT, Gretzky expressed his admiration for Schaefer’s performance, stating, “I’m sitting here thinking, my goodness… would this team be where they are right now without him? What about winning the MVP of the league? That’s how good this kid has been. I’m not saying he’s going to win it, I’m saying that’s the talk he should be in.”
Schaefer’s impressive stats speak for themselves, with 47 points accumulated from 20 goals and 27 assists in 65 games, along with a solid +13 rating. He currently ranks third among all NHL rookies in scoring this season.
In a recent game against the St. Louis Blues, the Islanders emerged victorious with a thrilling 4-3 overtime win at Enterprise Center. Despite falling behind early, the Isles staged a comeback with goals from Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Calum Ritchie, and Bo Horvat, ultimately tying the game at 3-3 and forcing overtime. It was Matthew Barzal who sealed the deal with the game-winning goal at 2:11 of the extra frame.
Looking ahead, Matthew Schaefer and the Islanders are gearing up to face off against the LA Kings at UBS Arena on Friday. With their sights set on a playoff berth, the young defenseman continues to impress fans and legends alike with his standout performances on the ice.
As the NHL season progresses, all eyes will be on Matthew Schaefer as he makes a case for himself in the MVP race, backed by the endorsement of none other than “The Great One” himself, Wayne Gretzky. Stay tuned for more updates on Schaefer and the Islanders’ journey through the remainder of the season.
This article has been edited by Abhishek Dilta.
