Sports
'Disgusting' - Hearts boss McInnes slams controversial last-gasp Celtic penalty
Hearts boss McInnes calls Celtic's last-minute penalty 'disgusting'
Sky Sports1 min read
Sports
Islanders Star Rookie Schaefer Receives Prestigious Honor
TL;DR
Matthew Schaefer, a rookie defenseman for the New York Islanders, has been named the unanimous winner of the 2026 Calder Trophy for NHL Rookie of the Year. He learned of his honor during a surprise announcement on the set of 'GMA3' from his brother and dad.
Key points
- Matthew Schaefer won the 2026 Calder Trophy
- He is a rookie defenseman for the New York Islanders
- The announcement was made on 'GMA3'
- He received the news from his brother and dad
- Schaefer was a unanimous winner
Calder TrophyMatthew SchaeferNew York IslandersNHL
James Guillory-Imagn Images
The whole hockey world expected Matthew Schaefer to win the Calder Trophy winner for 2026 NHL Rookie of the Year.
But how Schaefer learned of his honor was the surprise.
The New York Islanders rookie defenseman was named a unanimous winner of the 2026 Calder Trophy and found out of his honor when his brother and dad surprised him on the set of âGMA3â on Wednesday.
Schaefer tied the NHL record for single-season goals by a rookie defenseman (23) despite only turning 18 on Sept. 5. Schaefer finished second on the team in goals and points (59) while leading the team, and finishing fifth in the NHL in average time on ice per game (24:41).
Schaefer became the fifth Islanders player to win the Calder Trophy and the third Islanders defenseman to earn Rookie of the Year honors, joining Bryan Berard (1996) and Denis Potvin (1974). He is the first Islanders player to earn Calder Trophy honors since teammate Mathew Barzal in 2018.
Matthew Schaefer Won the Calder Trophy
Alexander Wohl-Imagn Images
Not only did Schaefer get selected first overall as a 17-year-old, but he made the team out of training camp, which added to the immense pressure on the native of Hamilton, Ontario, which is just 50 miles southwest of Toronto.
Q&A
Who is Matthew Schaefer and what award did he win?
Matthew Schaefer is a rookie defenseman for the New York Islanders who won the 2026 Calder Trophy for NHL Rookie of the Year.
How did Matthew Schaefer find out about his Calder Trophy win?
He learned about his Calder Trophy win during a surprise announcement on the set of 'GMA3' from his brother and dad.
What is the Calder Trophy and why is it significant?
The Calder Trophy is awarded annually to the NHL's Rookie of the Year, recognizing outstanding performance by a first-year player.
When was the Calder Trophy awarded to Matthew Schaefer?
Matthew Schaefer was awarded the Calder Trophy for the 2026 NHL season.
