Sep 30, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (48) shoots the puck into the Toronto Maple Leafs zone in the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The goals have yet to come for Matthew Schaefer in his second season, but it’s only a matter of time before the New York Islanders’ second-year defenseman finds the back of the net. Especially with a noticeably harder shot.
The 19-year-old blue liner owns the 11th-hardest shot recorded by any NHL player in this young season, clocking in at 95.81 mph — nearly two mph faster than his fastest shot all of last year (93.91 mph), which ended with Calder Trophy honors.
His average shot speed has taken a significant jump as well, going from 67.71 mph last year to 72.4 mph through his first eight games of the 2026-27 campaign.
“It just comes with maturing and being in the gym,” Schaefer told amNewYork. “I wouldn’t say I’m working with anybody on my shot. When I’m out there, I like trying different things with my shot. I try to get it more accurate. But faster, more power — it comes with being in the gym and getting stronger. When I was younger, I remember thinking ‘I want to have such a hard shot,’ but the more muscle you put on, the more weight, and the more flex you can put in that stick, I think the faster you go.
“I remember when I was younger saying that ‘I want to rip a puck,’ and you’re trying to do all these forearm exercises and things like that to get your arms a little bigger. But it’s just about maturing over time.”
Schaefer has not made any changes to his equipment. He still uses the Warrior Covert QR7 Pro with 95 flex, meaning 95 pounds of pressure is needed to bend the stick one inch. The more flex a player can get on their stick, the more force can be put into a shot.
“I’m just trying to keep it going. Same thing,” Schaefer said. “When you find something you like, you stick with it until you need something else. Maybe if I’m breaking too many. Knock on wood, it seems to be working right now.”
For more on Matthew Schaefer and the Islanders, visit AMNY.com
