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.

Sources