Should Matthew Schaefer, the New York Islanders prospect, play with the team the whole season?
There is a lot of pressure on a team to put a number one pick straight into the NHL. Schaefer is one of the OHL’s most talented young players. He possesses the natural ability to become one of the best young defenders in the league.
Schaefer is very mature for his age. Despite everything he has gone through, he still has the ability to handle any situation like a seasoned pro. His hockey IQ is off the charts. He thinks like a veteran, yet he is only 18 years old. The biggest reason for him to graduate to the NHL is that he has nothing left to prove in the OHL.
Add to this the fact that you hardly ever see the number one pick not make the NHL. I spoke with a source who pointed out something important: When a player’s picked first overall, there’s this expectation that he has to make the team. But with Schaefer, it’s different — he’s determined to make it. There’s no entitlement in how he carries himself. He’s not just assuming a spot is his. Still, that spotlight and pressure are always there.
If the Islanders don’t keep him, there’s always a risk they lose his respect or even lose him entirely after his entry-level contract is up.
I went to the expert, Colton Davies, for his opinion on Schaefer making the jump. You can follow Colton on Twitter @coltonrdavies. He is a great follower.
Colton Davies
Writer for Daily Faceoff:
“I think for Schaefer’s development, the best thing for him is to get that nine games of NHL action and then send him back to Erie to get another year of OHL hockey in.”
My source also confirms that if the Isles go this route, they have the option of keeping him on the roster. He goes on to say that it will be a tough decision.
Randy
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