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NHL·PREVIEW·September 9, 2026 02:47 PM ET

Matthew Schaefer says he's stronger and faster ahead of second Islanders season

The 19-year-old enters 2026-27 as the Calder Trophy winner.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Sep 91 min read
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What happened: Speaking during his NHL Player Media Tour appearance, Schaefer said he added weight over the summer. He credited teammates, coaches and staff with helping him gain confidence during his first NHL season.

Why it matters: Schaefer said navigating the NHL schedule taught him how to manage rest and recovery between games. That experience informs his aim to deliver more consistent performances throughout his second season.

What to watch: Training camp will offer the next look at his offseason progress. Schaefer wants a quicker start after taking time to find his rhythm in his debut season.

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