New York Islanders rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer has played his way into Canadian Olympic team consideration.

The Islanders confirmed that Schaefer, 18, has made Team Canada's long list for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games scheduled for next February. Schaefer has entered the IOC's drug testing protocol for Olympic eligibility, as was first reported by Sportsnet.

Schaefer, the No. 1 pick in June's NHL draft , wasn't one of the 13 defensemen invited to national team orientation camp this past summer. But the incredible start to his first NHL season has landed him on Team Canada's radar.

Schaefer has 15 points in 20 games entering Thursday night, the most for any rookie skater this season. He's also averaging 22:30 per game in ice time, the highest among rookies.

It's widely expecte

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