Islanders Rookie Matthew Schaefer Named Calder Trophy Finalist

TL;DR

Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders is a Calder Trophy finalist, alongside Ivan Demidov and Beckett Sennecke. He scored 23 goals and 36 assists, ranking second among NHL defensemen for goals this season.

Key points

Matthew Schaefer is a Calder Trophy finalist
He scored 23 goals and 36 assists this season
Schaefer ties for the most goals by a rookie defenseman in NHL history

New York IslandersMontreal CanadiensAnaheim Ducks

New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer has been named a finalist for the Calder Trophy along with Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov and Anaheim Ducks forward Beckett Sennecke.

Schaefer recorded 23 goals with 36 assists for 59 points, averaging 24:41 minutes per game. He was a +13, as well.

His 23 goals were not just tied with Sennecke for the rookie league, but ranked second in the NHL this season amongst defensemen, sitting tied with Washington Capitals defenseman Jacob Chychrun.

Not only that, but he also ties former New York Rangers defenseman Brian Leetch for the most goals by a rookie defenseman in NHL history.

Schaefer's 36 assists ranked third, one behind Sennecke and seven behind Demidov. His 59 points ranked third, one behind Sennecke and three behind Demidov.

His eight power-play goals were tied for second with Chychrun for the second-most amongst defenseman, with Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh leading the way with 10.

His 24:41 minutes per game was tied for the 12th most minutes per game in the NHL with Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard and Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber.