Home / Sports / Schaefer Makes NHL History as Youngest Calder Winner
Schaefer Makes NHL History as Youngest Calder Winner
13 May
Summary
- Matthew Schaefer is the youngest ever Calder Trophy winner at 18.
- He secured all 198 first-place votes, a rare unanimous decision.
- Schaefer tied a rookie defenseman record with 23 goals.
New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer has been awarded the Calder Trophy, recognizing him as the NHL's outstanding rookie. At 18 years and 223 days old, Schaefer is now the youngest player in league history to receive this honor. He made history by being the first rookie defenseman to win the award unanimously, securing all 198 first-place votes cast by the Professional Hockey Writers' Association.
Schaefer's rookie season was remarkable, as he scored 23 goals, a total that ties Brian Leetch's rookie record for a defenseman. His offensive output also included eight power-play goals, placing him second among defensemen this season. Schaefer is also the youngest defenseman to surpass 50 points in his debut campaign, finishing his season with 59 points.
Drafted first overall by the Islanders in 2025, Schaefer's win marks the first Calder Trophy for the franchise since Mathew Barzal in 2018. Despite his individual success, the Islanders narrowly missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
