# Matthew Schaefer leadership role with New York Islanders

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/matthew-schaefer-leadership-role-with-new-york-islanders
> Updated: 2026-09-29T06:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Following a historic rookie season where he became the unanimous Calder Trophy winner, 19-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer is preparing for his second year with the New York Islanders. During his debut season, Schaefer set records for goals by a rookie defenseman and points by an 18-year-old, while also demonstrating positional versatility by playing on both sides of the ice.

In preparation for the upcoming season, the Islanders have named Schaefer as one of four alternate captains. This appointment makes him the first teenager in franchise history to hold a leadership role. He joins a leadership group consisting of Bo Horvat, Kyle Palmieri, Ryan Pulock, and Brayden Schenn. Head coach Pete DeBoer has highlighted Schaefer’s maturity, describing him as a “future captain.”

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: 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, making him the first teenager to hold a leadership letter with the team.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/matthew-schaefer-named-as-new-york-islanders-alternate-captain

### 2026-09-24: Matthew Schaefer prepares for second NHL season with New York Islanders

After a record-breaking Calder Trophy-winning rookie season, New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer enters Year 2 with new positional versatility and leadership potential.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/matthew-schaefer-prepares-for-second-nhl-season-with-new-york-islanders

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Cite as: Matthew Schaefer leadership role with New York Islanders. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/matthew-schaefer-leadership-role-with-new-york-islanders