John Tavares on Rising Star Matthew Schaefer
ELMONT, NY — Ahead of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ highly anticipated matchup against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena, John Tavares, the former captain of the Islanders and their top overall draft pick in 2009, shared his thoughts on the rising star Matthew Schaefer, who is projected to be the Islanders’ first overall selection in 2025.
Impressive Talent
After participating in a morning skate, Tavares described Schaefer as an impressive talent, saying,
“He’s obviously a stud. His ability to influence the game has been noteworthy. Since joining the league, particularly with the Islanders, he’s shown remarkable character and hockey intelligence. Even though he’s only been playing for half a season, he’s made a significant impact.”
Challenges Ahead
Tavares elaborated on the challenges that lie ahead for the Maple Leafs as they prepare to face Schaefer and the rest of the Islanders, asserting,
“We’re going to have our hands full tonight, given how impactful he’s been already.”
Reflections on Being a First Overall Pick
Reflecting on his own experiences as the first overall pick, Tavares reminisced about his rookie year, acknowledging both the excitement and the challenges he faced transitioning into the NHL.
“Starting off as a No. 1 pick, I relate to Schaefer. The journey from being drafted to finally being in the league was full of ups and downs. I’ll always cherish those moments as they’ve shaped my career,”
he noted.
Matchup Insights
The matchup marks the first time this season that the Islanders and Maple Leafs will face each other. Discussing the current Islanders roster, Tavares complimented their offensive capabilities, particularly highlighting the dynamism brought by Schaefer and star player Mathew Barzal.
“They’ve transformed into a very dynamic team on the rush. The skating and puck handling of Schaefer and Barzal are top-tier, which means our defense has to be sharp,”
Tavares stated.
Looking Forward
Interestingly, despite their shared background, Tavares pointed out that he has never had the chance to meet Schaefer. The game is set to begin at 7:30 PM ET, and fans are eager to see this collision between two teams with high stakes and a promising young talent in Schaefer.
