Matthew Schaefer named as one the Islanders' four alternate captains
Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer at UBS Arena on April 14. Credit: Brad Penner
GRAVENHURST, Ontario – Pete DeBoer has called Matthew Schaefer a “future captain,” for the Islanders and the coach considered the 19-year-old among the pool of candidates to succeed Anders Lee this season before bestowing the “C” to Bo Horvat.
Instead, Schaefer will wear an “A” as an alternate captain, the team announced on Tuesday as it practiced at Gravenhurst Centennial Centre in advance of Wednesday night’s season opener in Toronto. Schaefer, who won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in a unanimous vote, is the first teenager to wear a letter for the Islanders.
“It’s crazy to think,” Schaefer said. “There’s just so many leaders in this room. They teach you a lot. My first year, I can’t thank everyone in this room [enough] because, coming at it as an 18-year-old learning so much from them.
“You’ve just got to stay being yourself. Guys like you for who you are.”
Four alternate captains were named to the team’s leadership group along with Horvat, though only two players can wear an “A” in a match. So Schaefer and Kyle Palmieri will have that honor for home games at UBS Arena, while Ryan Pulock and Brayden Schenn will do so on the road.
Pulock and Palmieri served as alternate captains last season. Palmieri’s season ended in November because of an ACL injury. Schenn was the Blues captain from 2023 until being acquired by the Islanders at last season’s trade deadline.
“I just feel very fortunate as a coach to have that many options,” DeBoer said. “As far as Schaef goes, he’s such a big part of what we’re doing here and is going to be going forward. I didn’t take that decision lightly but he earned it. For a young guy, he’s exceptionally mature. He comes and does it right every day.”
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
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