Islanders' Matthew Schaefer Draws Comparisons to Makar and Heiskanen

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the No. 1 overall pick in 2025, is drawing comparisons to elite defensemen Cale Makar and Miro Heiskanen. Schaefer recently held Makar's Avalanche to two shots on goal in 5:38 of ice time. Heiskanen, whom Schaefer also admires, has three goals and 14 assists for 17 points in 19 games for the Dallas Stars. Schaefer himself has seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 19 games, leading all defensemen in goals. He is seen as a key player for the Islanders' future success.