Schaefer was absent from practice on Monday due to illness, but he attended the team's morning skate on Tuesday and will be in the lineup in the evening against the New Jersey Devils. The 18-year-old rookie's tremendous season continued in the Islanders' most recent game, recording two goals, including the overtime winner, in a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has 28 points (12G / 16A) in 42 games this season.
Schaefer was absent from practice on Monday due to illness, and it is unclear whether he will be ready to play on Tuesday against the New Jersey Devils, being marked as a game-time decision. The 18-year-old rookie's tremendous season continued in the Islanders' most recent game, recording two goals, including the overtime winner, in a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. He has 28 points (12G / 16A) in 42 games this season.
Schaefer was this year's first overall selection in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Islanders on Monday. The 17-year-old missed the majority of the 2024-25 season due to a serious collarbone injury but still managed to go first overall in the draft due to his five goals and 22 points in 18 games with Erie (OHL). He is expected to be a key part of the Islanders' future for years to come.
