After turning 18 a month ago, defenseman Matthew Schaefer is now set to make his NHL debut for the New York Islanders on Thursday in the team's season opener.

Schaefer, the No. 1 overall selection in June's NHL entry draft, officially was named to the Islanders' roster Monday.

New York will be in Pittsburgh on Thursday to face 2005 No. 1 overall pick Sidney Crosby and the Penguins. The Islanders then will face the Washington Capitals at home Saturday, making Schaefer the eighth player all time to face Crosby and Alex Ovechkin in the first two games of their career.

Schaefer, who was paired with veteran defenseman Scott Mayfield for most of the preseason to learn the ropes, has the potential to become an elite two-play player with his skating skills and puck-moving acumen. Along with his

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