New York Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche told reporters on Wednesday that rookie defenceman Matthew Schaefer will not be loaned to Team Canada for the upcoming World Juniors.
Darche said Schaefer will not be playing World Juniors.
As for Olympics, not his call but said that Schaefer should be proud of himself that he’s in the conversation. #Isles
— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) November 26, 2025
Schaefer is third in rookie scoring this season with seven goals and 15 points in 23 games this season and is a +8. He was named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month in October.
The 18-year-old is also averaging 23:00 of ice time to lead all Islanders defencemen.
Schaefer was also informed on Nov. 20 that he was officially added to Team Canada’s IOC long list for potential selection to the 2026 Winter Olympics team.
The No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Schaefer skated for Team Canada at the World Juniors last year but broke his clavicle on Dec. 27 in the round-robin game against Latvia. The injury would keep him out for the remainder of the season.
He skated in just 17 games with the OHL’s Erie Otters last season, scoring seven goals with 22 points.
The Hamilton, Ont., native has represented Canada on several occasions, winning gold medals at the U17s, U18s and Hlinka Gretzky Cup.