With a power-play marker in the first period of Thursday’s contest, New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer scored his 23rd goal of the season, tying the all-time NHL record for goals by a rookie defenseman.
Schaefer’s tally pulls him even with Hall of Famer Brian Leetch, who set the gold standard with 23 goals for the New York Rangers during the 1988-89 season. The 18-year-old phenom, selected first overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, reached the milestone in just 76 games.
"To see your name next to a guy like Brian Leetch is pretty surreal," Schaefer said during the first intermission. "I’ve just been trying to get pucks to the net and play my game. The guys have been doing a great job finding me in open space, and I’m just happy it’s helping us win games down the stretch."
MATTHEW SCHAEFER HAS TIED BRIAN LEETCH'S ROOKIE D-MAN GOAL RECORD OF 23!!!!! 🤯🚨 pic.twitter.com/qJammJOnqs
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) April 10, 2026
Since making the jump straight from the OHL’s Erie Otters to the NHL, Schaefer has been the catalyst for the Islanders' resurgent season. He entered Thursday tied for second in rookie scoring for goals and points, and is the favourite for the Calder Trophy. With 59 points, Schaefer currently sits 11th all-time in points by a defenseman in a single season.