New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, the No. 1 overall pick with 5 goals and 11 points in 13 games, is increasingly becoming a physical target for opponents. Recent incidents include Mason Appleton, Nikita Grebenkin, and a cross-check and cheap shot from Boston's Nikita Zadorov, which prompted teammates Anthony Duclair and Anders Lee to intervene. Zadorov later trolled Islanders fans, highlighting Schaefer's vulnerability. Teammates acknowledge the 18-year-old has a "target on his back," with Duclair stating, "We’re here to protect him." The situation has sparked discussion about whether GM Mathieu Darche needs to acquire an enforcer, similar to how the Leafs protected Auston Matthews or the Sharks acquired Ryan Reaves for Macklin Celebrini, to prevent potential major injury. Coach Patrick Roy hopes Schaefer receives "the same protection that the star players get" soon, noting that current defense partner Scott Mayfield, despite his physical history, has only had one fight per season recently.
