Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer Breaks NHL Record For Goals By 18-Year-Old Defenseman

[ASFN Admin]

New York Islanders 2025 No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer made history on Thursday night against the Montreal Canadiens.

After scoring his 17th goal of the season to tie Buffalo Sabres legend Phil Housley for the most goals by an 18-year-old defenseman in NHL history, he needed just 55 seconds to score his 18th of the season, setting a new NHL record:

Schaefer rewriting history. Most goals by an 18-year-old defenseman in NHL history. Scores again. #Isles tie it up going into the third. pic.twitter.com/IzHG0aRFv6

— The Elmonters (@TheElmonters) February 27, 2026

Not only did he pass Housley, but he also passed Islanders' legend Denis Potvin for the most goals by a rookie defenseman in team history.

With the two-goal game, Schaefer now has 41 points (18 goals, 23 assists) in 59 games.

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