Former Erie Otters defenseman Matthew Schaefer became just the second unanimous winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy in NHL history Wednesday morning.
Now a defenseman for the New York Islanders, Schaefer became the sixth player in franchise history to capture the award, which is presented annually to the league’s top rookie.
Schaefer is the first unanimous selection for the Calder Trophy since Teemu Selänne won the honor with the Winnipeg Jets during the 1992–93 season.
The rookie defenseman put together a historic first season in the NHL, becoming the youngest defenseman to score a goal in his NHL debut and the youngest player in league history to score an overtime goal. He also became the first defenseman in more than 90 years to lead all rookies in goals scored.
Schaefer finished the season with 23 goals, tying the NHL single-season record for goals by a rookie defenseman. His goal and point totals also surpassed those of former Buffalo Sabres defenseman Phil Housley for the most by an 18-year-old defenseman in league history.