It’s been a blistering start to the NHL career of 2025 first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer.

The 18-year-old New York Islanders defenceman was named rookie of the month for October on Saturday after leading all rookies in time on ice per game.

With the selection, he becomes the first Islanders rookie to earn the honours since Mathew Barzal in 2018.

Schaefer, a native of Hamilton, Ont., racked up eight points (three goals, five assists) over his first 11 games while averaging 22:21 on ice per night. He quarterbacks the Islanders’ power play, which is operating at 14.6 per cent.

Schaefer is tied for second amongst all NHL rookies in points.

The Islanders drafted him first-overall in June after he spent the past two seasons with the OHL’s Erie Otters. He was limited to just 17 games last

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