Matthew Schaefer wins Calder Memorial Trophy in emotional moment
TL;DR
Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders has won the 2025-26 Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the top rookie in the NHL. The emotional presentation took place on ABC's 'Good Morning America' with his family present.
Key points
- Matthew Schaefer won the Calder Memorial Trophy for the 2025-26 season
- The award is for the most proficient rookie in the NHL
- The presentation occurred on ABC's 'Good Morning America'
- Schaefer's family was present during the emotional moment
- He lived with former Islanders player Matt Martin last season
Mentioned in this story
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The National Hockey League has announced that defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders has been named the the 2025-26 recipient of the Calder Memorial Trophy.
The award is presented annually to “the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition in the NHL." Schaefer was selected by a poll of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association members at the conclusion of the regular season. In a heartwarming twist, Schaefer was presented with his Calder Trophy on ABC's "Good Morning America" on May 13 with his family in attendance. Both Schaefer and his father — Todd Schaefer — were seen bursting into tears.
Matthew's brother, Johnny; and former Islanders player Matt Martin and Martin's two daughters were present for the big reveal, as Matthew lived with the Martins last season.
Undoubtedly, part of the reason for all the emotion surrounding Matthew dedicated his win to his late mother, Jennifer, whom he lost to breast cancer in 2024.
"We've done a lot as a family. My mom's helped me and my family so much with everything. We've had some tough losses, but it hasn't stopped us as a family. We've gotten a lot closer," a tearful Schaefer said on GMA. "This definitely means a lot. This year was super important to me."
Matthew Schaefer honored with unanimous Calder Trophy win
Matthew's selection for the 2025-26 Calder Trophy also marked the first unanimous choice for the award in 33 years; all 198 ballots went to the Islanders' rookie.
The defenseman is the sixth Islander to win the Calder Memorial Trophy, joining Mat Barzal (2018), Bryan Berard (1997), Mike Bossy (1978), Bryan Trottier (1976), and Denis Potvin (1974). He is also the 13th first-overall pick to be awarded the Calder and just the fourth defenseman to do so, joining Aaron Ekblad (2015), Berard and Potvin.
At 18 years, 223 days on the final day of the regular season, Matthew is the youngest Calder Trophy winner in NHL history.
For the Islanders, Matthew had a record-breaking rookie campaign in which he registered 59 points (23 goals, 36 assists) over 82 games. He tied Brian Leetch’s record for the most goals by a rookie defenseman in a single season and became the youngest defenseman in NHL history to reach both 20 goals and 50 points in a season.
The Hamilton, Ontario native additionally led all rookies in average time on ice, power-play goals (8), and shots on goal (222), while tying for first in goals and overtime goals (2).
Matthew was originally selected by the Islanders with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NHL Draft. He has quickly become a fan favorite across the league for his heartwarming family story and charisma both on and off the ice.
With his mother's memory in mind, Matthew has also recently partnered with the Islanders Children's Foundation and Northwell Health to create a child support center for cancer patients and their families.
If all of this wasn't enough — en route to winning the Calder Trophy for the 2025-26 year, Matthew also set NHL records for the most points by an 18-year-old defenseman, average time on ice by an 18-year-old skater (24:41) and the most overtime points (4) by a teenage defenseman. He added another notable milestone on March 24, logging 31:59 of ice time, the most in a single game by any NHL teenager since the statistic began being tracked.
Q&A
Who is Matthew Schaefer and why did he win the Calder Trophy?
Matthew Schaefer is a defenseman for the New York Islanders, awarded the Calder Trophy for being the most proficient rookie in the NHL during the 2025-26 season.
When was the Calder Memorial Trophy presented to Matthew Schaefer?
The Calder Memorial Trophy was presented to Matthew Schaefer on May 13, during an appearance on ABC's 'Good Morning America.'
What is the significance of the Calder Memorial Trophy?
The Calder Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the NHL player deemed most proficient in their first year of competition, highlighting outstanding rookie performance.
Who attended the Calder Trophy presentation for Matthew Schaefer?
Matthew Schaefer's family, including his father Todd, brother Johnny, and former Islanders player Matt Martin with his daughters, attended the emotional presentation.
