Matthew Schaefer Emerges as Calder Favorite, Shattering Rookie Defenseman Records

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, an 18-year-old phenom, is rapidly becoming a near-lock for the Calder Trophy. Through 20 games, he leads all rookies with 7 goals and 8 assists for 15 points, surpassing Montreal's Ivan Demidov. Schaefer has already made history, becoming the youngest player to score an overtime goal at 18 years and 70 days, and the youngest defenseman to achieve a six-game point streak with 7 points in his first nine games. He leads Islanders defensemen with 307 shot attempts, plays significant minutes on both special teams, and logs the most ice time on the team, putting him on track for 20 goals and 60 points this season, with strong -238 odds for the Calder.