Peter DeBoer didn't join the New York Islanders until the final four games of the 2025-26 regular season, but it's safe to say the veteran head coach was quickly impressed by 18-year-old Matthew Schaefer's leadership.
"I think he's already a respected voice in that dressing room," DeBoer told The Athletic's Peter Baugh. "Having said that, he's an 18-, 19-year-old player, and he's got an awful lot on his plate individually. Will he be part of our (leadership) group? Absolutely he will, and I think he's got future captain written all over him. But I think we have to be very careful not to put too much on his plate too early."
The Islanders are without a captain after Anders Lee signed with the Utah Mammoth this offseason. Lee had worn the "C" on Long Island for the past eight seasons.
DeBoer is undecided if he'll name a captain for the 2026-27 campaign.
"I want to spend training camp with the group again, get a little more feel for the players and the options," he said. "Then we'll make some decisions."
Schaefer, who doesn't turn 19 until Sept. 5, would be the youngest full-time captain in NHL history if the Islanders gave him the "C" before opening night. Connor McDavid, who, in 2016, was named captain of the Edmonton Oilers at 19 years and 266 days old, currently holds the distinction.
The Islanders have several other players who could be considered for the role. Bo Horvat and Brayden Schenn both served as captains for their previous teams. Mathew Barzal, Ryan Pulock, and Adam Pelech are among New York's longest-tenured players and could also warrant consideration.
But regardless of whether Schaefer gets a letter on his jersey or not, DeBoer is ecstatic about getting the chance to coach the reigning Calder Trophy winner for a full season.
"He's going to get a lot more attention from other teams," DeBoer said. "Expectations are obviously higher, which puts a lot more pressure on the individual. I can't tell you how excited I am about his potential and being able to work with him."
Schaefer won the Calder Trophy unanimously after setting a new NHL record for points by an 18-year-old defenseman (59). The Islanders drafted him first overall in 2025.
