Matthew Schaefer continued his torrid start to his National Hockey League career in the New York Islanders’ 3-2 victory on Sunday, as he set the record for youngest defenceman in league history to score multiple goals in a game.
Per NHL Public Relations, Schaefer topped the mark previously held by the legendary Bobby Orr, as Schaefer scored his two goals in the win at just 18 years and 58 days old. Orr was 18 years and 248 days old when he recorded two goals on Nov. 23, 1966.
Schaefer is also the third-youngest player of any position to record a multi-goal game in the expansion era (since the 1967-68 season).
The Islanders appear to have struck gold with the top pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. Schaefer has already recorded five goals and 10 points through 12 games. He leads all defencemen in the NHL in goals scored, and is tied for sixth in points.
The Islanders sit last in the Metropolitan Division at 6-5-1 even after their victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday.
Schaefer was named Rookie of the Month for October, as the Hamilton, Ont. native continues to show off the promise that made him the top pick in June.