Islanders' Matthew Schaefer Named As Top-10 Defensemen Ahead Of The 2026/27

New York Islanders Calder Trophy-winning defenseman Matthew Schaefer has been ranked inside the top-10 on NHL Network’s ‘Top-20 Defensemen Right Now’ list. 

Although this has been an underwhelming season for New York, this ranking should give fans something to look forward to come the 2026/27 NHL season. 

Overall, there isn’t a surprise when it comes to the ranking that would see Schaefer named at No.7 on the list. Schaefer accomplished a 59-point rookie season at the young age of 18-years-old. 23 goals and 36 assists was unprecedented to say the least, as he averaged 24:41 minutes of ice time in 82 games while being a top defensive asset.

The Islanders ultimately finished a disappointing 43-34-5 with a three-game losing streak to end the 2025/26 season, resulting in a bottom Metropolitan Division placing and missing the playoffs. 

With Schaefer now accustomed to the league, you can’t help but wonder just how much better he would be in year 2. He’s already a top-10 defensemen, but could he break into the top-5? 

The six players that came in front of Schaefer include: Cale Makar - Quinn Hughes - Zach Werenski - Rasmus Dahlin - Miro Heiskanen and Lane Hutson.

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