DeBoer Prioritizes Matthew Schaefer's Development in Islanders Debut
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New head coach Peter DeBoer signals a focus on the Calder Trophy winner as the franchise looks to rebound from a playoff drought.
New York Islanders head coach Peter DeBoer is centering his early strategy on the development of young star Matthew Schaefer. According to Sports Illustrated, DeBoer expressed significant excitement regarding Schaefer's potential and intends to dedicate specific focus to the defenseman during the upcoming season.
DeBoer, who was hired on April 5, 2026, by General Manager Mathieu Darche following the firing of Patrick Roy, joins the organization with 17 seasons of NHL coaching experience. This includes stints with the Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, San Jose Sharks, New Jersey Devils, and Florida Panthers. DeBoer noted in a recent article with The Athletic that higher expectations will bring increased pressure to the young player, but he remains eager to work with him.
Schaefer enters the 2026-27 season as the recipient of the Calder Memorial Trophy. Sports Illustrated reports that Schaefer led all rookies in average time on ice, shots on goal (222), and power-play goals (eight), while tying for the lead in goals and overtime goals (two). He also established NHL records for the most overtime points (four) by a defenseman under 20, the most points by an 18-year-old defenseman, and the highest average time on ice for an 18-year-old skater (24:41).
The focus on youth comes as the Islanders attempt to rectify a 2025-26 campaign that saw the team finish 43-34-5 and miss the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second straight year. Sports Illustrated reports the team struggled with injuries, power-play scoring, and home-ice performance at UBS Arena, where they were outscored 22-10 during one specific stretch. DeBoer stated that he has seen enough tape to recognize what needs to be fixed to return the franchise to the top.