#CHLStats: Matthew Schaefer Makes NHL History with Record-Setting Start

By Christopher Séguin October 19, 2025

From the moment Matthew Schaefer first stepped onto OHL ice as a 16-year-old with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), it was clear he was destined to leave a mark on the game. What few could have predicted, however, is just how quickly he’d rewrite hockey history — from the 2023 OHL Priority Selection to becoming one of the most productive 18-year-olds ever to begin an NHL career.

From Halton to Erie: A Rising Star in the OHL

Schaefer’s ascent began on April 20, 2023, when the Erie Otters selected him first overall in the OHL Priority Selection from the Halton Hurricanes U16 program — making him the highest-drafted defenceman in franchise history.

From that moment, he carried the weight of expectation with calm composure and steady dominance. His blend of poise, skating, and maturity on the back end made him a standout from day one.

His success with Erie quickly translated to the international stage. By August 10, 2024, Schaefer had already achieved a rare international triple crown — becoming one of the first three players (alongside Moncton Wildcats forward Caleb Desnoyers and Brampton Steelheads alumnus Jack Ivankovic) in Canadian hockey history to capture gold at all three marquee youth tournaments: the World U17 Hockey Challenge (2023), the IIHF U18 World Championship (2024), and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (2024).

That winning pedigree culminated later that year when, on December 26, 2024, at just 17 years, three months, and 22 days, he became the third-youngest defenceman ever to represent Canada at the World Juniors, following Jay Bouwmeester (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) and Chris Joseph (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL).

First Overall, Again: Draft Day Glory

The accolades kept coming. On June 27, 2025, Schaefer was selected first overall by the New York Islanders at the NHL Draft — becoming:

Only the second Erie Otter, and the first OHL player since Connor McDavid (2015), to go No. 1.
The 11th defenceman in CHL history to be taken with the top pick, and just the second this century (after Barrie Colts and OHL alumnus Aaron Ekblad, 2014).
The 42nd CHL player and 22nd from the OHL to be chosen first overall since 1969. Among OHL/OHA defencemen, he joined an elite lineage that includes Ekblad (2014), Bryan Berard (1995), Ed Jovanovski (1994), Rob Ramage (1979), Rick Green (1976), and Denis Potvin (1973) — the latter of whom, like Schaefer, was drafted No. 1 by the New York Islanders.

Making NHL History — One Game at a Time

When Schaefer made his NHL debut on October 9, 2025, against the Pittsburgh Penguins, he immediately etched his name in the record books. At 18 years and 34 days, he became:

The youngest defenceman in NHL history to record a point in his debut, breaking the mark previously held by Kamloops Blazers (WHL) alumnus Scott Niedermayer (18 years, 46 days).
The youngest first-overall defenceman ever to play in the NHL, and the second-youngest No. 1 pick to debut, behind only Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL) alumnus Nathan MacKinnon (18 years, 31 days in 2013).
The second-youngest blueliner to make his NHL debut in nearly 70 years, after Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) alumnus Chris Joseph (18 years, 21 days in 1987).

Just two nights later, during the Islanders’ home opener against the Washington Capitals, Schaefer continued to redefine what’s possible for an 18-year-old defenceman:

At 18 years, 36 days, he became the youngest defenceman in NHL history to score a goal since 1944 and the fifth-youngest player in the last 50 years to find the back of the net. The only players to score at a younger age are Aleksander Barkov (18 years, 31 days), Peterborough Petes (OHL) alumnus Jordan Staal (18 years, 32 days), Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL) graduate Patrick Marleau (18 years, 34 days), and Portland Winterhawks (WHL) alumnus Nino Niederreiter (18 years, 35 days).
He became the youngest skater ever to log over 25 minutes in an NHL game (26:04), surpassing Rimouski Océanic (QMJHL) alumnus Sidney Crosby’s record.
His goal came on the power play, making him the youngest player on record to score his first NHL goal with the man advantage.

Historic Consistency: Point Streaks & Elite Company

From there, Schaefer’s offensive rhythm only grew. By recording an assist on October 18 against Ottawa, he extended his career-opening point streak to five games (1G-4A–5 PTS) – placing him in exclusive company:

One of only five No. 1 overall picks ever to record a point in each of his first five NHL games, alongside Alex Ovechkin, Alexandre Daigle (Victoriaville Tigres / QMJHL), Sidney Crosby (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL), and Eric Lindros (Oshawa Generals / OHL).
The only defenceman in NHL history to record a five-game season-opening point streak at age 18 or younger.
The sixth player in NHL history to achieve that feat at his age, joining legends Wayne Gretzky (Soo Greyhounds / OHL), Sidney Crosby (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL), Alexandre Daigle (Victoriaville Tigres / QMJHL), Sean Monahan (Ottawa 67’s / OHL), and Ted Kennedy.
He also matched the second-longest career-opening point streak by a defenceman in NHL history (5 GP), trailing only Marek Zidlicky (6 GP) and equaling Cale Makar for the longest among active blueliners.

A Generational Start

In just over 10 days at hockey’s highest level, Matthew Schaefer has delivered one of the most remarkable starts to an NHL career ever by a defenceman — the natural continuation of a journey defined by excellence at every stage. From Halton to Erie, from gold medals to first-overall selection, from record-setting debuts to NHL milestones, Schaefer’s story is still unfolding — but it already reads like the opening chapter of a generational career.