Matthew Schaefer named as New York Islanders alternate captain

The New York Islanders have named 19-year-old Matthew Schaefer as one of four alternate captains for the upcoming season. Schaefer, a former Calder Trophy winner, becomes the first teenager to hold a leadership letter with the franchise.

Following the appointment of Bo Horvat as captain, the team established a leadership group that includes Schaefer, Kyle Palmieri, Ryan Pulock, and Brayden Schenn. Due to NHL regulations limiting the number of players wearing an “A” during a game, Schaefer and Palmieri will serve as alternates for home games at UBS Arena, while Pulock and Schenn will handle the role during road games.

Head coach Pete DeBoer described Schaefer as a “future captain” and noted his exceptional maturity. The announcement was made during a team practice in Gravenhurst, Ontario, ahead of the season opener in Toronto.