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Islanders' Matthew Schaefer Becomes Youngest Defenseman to Reach 25 NHL Points

The 18-year-old No. 1 pick reached the mark in his 40th game, underscoring a rapid rise to top minutes on the Islanders' blue line.

Overview

  • Schaefer hit 25 points with a first-period power-play assist on Bo Horvat against the Blackhawks.
  • He achieved the milestone at 18 years, 116 days old in his 40th NHL game, giving him nine goals and 16 assists.
  • NHL Public Relations noted he required the fourth-fewest games by an 18-year-old defenseman to reach 25 points, trailing Phil Housley, Ray Bourque and Bobby Orr.
  • New York edged Chicago 3-2 in a shootout, with Schaefer entering the game leading Islanders skaters at 23:47 of average ice time.
  • The 2025 first overall pick had earlier set age marks as the second-youngest defenseman to score and the youngest player to net an overtime goal.