Islanders' Matthew Schaefer's skating draws Connor McDavid comparison

The 2025 first overall draft pick, Matthew Schaefer, made his much-anticipated NHL debut on Thursday night in Pittsburgh. 

Not only did he get to live out his dream of suiting up in the big leagues, but he did so against legends Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and the Penguins. 

It was a special night for Schaefer and his family, and the young defenseman put forth a really strong showing, demonstrating exactly why he was the unquestioned choice for the New York Islanders with the number one pick in June.

While his skating ability was on full display throughout the game, Schaefer was already blowing people away before that. Penguins reporter Rob Rossi was in awe of it at the morning skate, likening it to that of the world's best player, Connor McDavid. 

"Caught a bit of Islanders AM skate from near ice level Thursday. I wasn’t prepared for seeing Matthew Schaefer in person. In almost a quarter century around the NHL, I’ve NEVER seen a defenseman skate like him. It’s McDavid-level jarring in terms of sustained warp," Rossi wrote.

— Rob Rossi (@Real_RobRossi) October 9, 2025

The 18-year-old tallied one assist and was a +1 rating in 17:15 minutes of action in the 4-3 loss to the Penguins. 

Historic night for Matthew Schaefer

As if registering a point in his NHL debut wasn't enough, Matthew Schaefer also made history in the process.

Schaefer's pass that set up Jonathan Drouin's first-period goal made him the youngest defenseman in league history to record a point, surpassing the great Scott Niedermayer.

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) October 10, 2025

If anyone was questioning whether the kid was ready to be a pro, he put those to bed, looking like one of the best players on the ice in Pittsburgh on Thursday night. 

Schaefer's next test won't get any easier, though, as he and the Islanders host Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals in their home opener on Saturday night.