New York Islanders rookie defenseman and No. 1 overall pick at the 2025 NHL Draft, Matthew Schaefer, has officially made the team's opening-night roster and will play on Wednesday night in Pittsburgh against the Penguins, general manager Mathieu Darche confirmed on Monday.

"The way he's going to play is going to dictate what we do," Darche said. "He's completely earned his spot on the team and in the lineup. He will be in the lineup... We'll take it as we go."

At 18 years and 33 days old come Wednesday night's season opener, Schaefer will be the second-youngest player to appear in a regular-season game for the Islanders, behind only Nino Neiderreiter, who made his NHL debut at 18 years, 31 days on Oct. 9, 2010.

With it comes the acceptance of a considerable burden. Schaefer has immediat

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