Islanders' Matthew Schaefer Wins Calder Trophy Unanimously

New York Islanders rookie Matthew Schaefer won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie in a unanimous vote.

The award, typically the subject of a tight race, saw Schaefer pull away from the field. Selected first overall by the Islanders in the 2025 NHL Draft, he received the trophy on ABC's Good Morning America with his father present. Former Islander Matt Martin and his family, with whom Schaefer lived this season, also attended.

Schaefer earned the honor amid personal hardship after his mother died in 2024. He posted 59 points with 23 goals and 36 assists, plus a plus-13 rating, in all 82 games. The Islanders appeared headed for the playoffs but fell short late in the season.

Schaefer took every first-place vote over Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov and Anaheim Ducks winger Beckett Sennecke. Demidov tallied 62 points with 19 goals and 43 assists. Sennecke had 60 points with 23 goals and 37 assists. Both helped their teams reach the second playoff round.

Schaefer is the first unanimous Calder winner since Teemu Selanne with the original Winnipeg Jets in the 1992-93 season. He later visited a local children's hospital with the trophy.