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GrokMatthew Schaefer parents, Todd and the late Jennifer Schaefer, shaped the New York Islanders defenseman who just became the youngest Calder Trophy winner in NHL history.
When Matthew Schaefer's name was called as the 2026 Calder Trophy winner, the NHL's best rookie, the 18-year-old New York Islanders defenseman didn't just think about hockey. He thought about his family.
Behind one of the most talked-about young players in the league is a story that goes far deeper than statistics and draft rankings. It's a story about a father who cried through every shift, a brother who just wanted to see him smile, and a mother whose memory still drives him every single time he laces up his skates.
Todd Schaefer: The Dad Who Never Stopped Showing Up
Todd Schaefer has been there for every major moment of his son's career, and none hit harder than Matthew's NHL debut on October 10, 2025, in Pittsburgh against the Penguins.
Todd made the trip with Matthew's older brother Johnathon, along with 25 other friends and family members. By the sixth shift of the game, Matthew had already made history.
He picked up an assist that made him the youngest defenseman in NHL history to register a point in his debut, at just 18 years and 34 days old, breaking a record previously held by Hall of Famer Scott Niedermayer.
Todd was standing when it happened. He and Johnathon found each other in the stands and embraced, completely overwhelmed.
"I've been emotional for weeks now; it just seems like I can't stop crying, but I'm just happy for his success, I know how much he wants this, and I'm just so thrilled that he's playing with confidence."
Todd Schaefer
Todd also opened up about the difficult years leading up to that moment. After Jennifer's illness took hold, he wasn't sure how Matthew would hold up emotionally.
He spent nights lying beside his son, just talking, making sure nothing was buried.
"I didn't know whether he was going to cave and want to be home with me all the time."
Todd
The Calder Trophy moment came full circle in a deeply personal way. On May 13, 2026, the day Matthew was surprised with the award on ABC's GMA3, Todd had secretly flown in and was staying in the same New York City hotel, just ten floors above his son, who had no idea.
Matthew had even called his dad the night before, unaware Todd was already nearby
Jennifer Schaefer: The Woman Who Raised a Champion
Jennifer Schaefer passed away in February 2024 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Matthew was just 16 years old.
She was, by every account, the kind of person who lit up a room. Even during her most difficult days at the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre in Hamilton, Ontario, she found the strength to kiss her son when he asked for one through his tears.
Matthew has spoken about her as one of the strongest people he has ever known.
"She was definitely one of the strongest people I know because she had to go through so much," Matthew said. "You never want to see your mom go through that."
The grief was layered. Around the same period, Matthew also lost his billet mother, Emily Matson, to suicide. Yet somehow, he kept skating. He kept competing. He channeled everything into the game, and it showed.
Matthew wears a necklace his mother gave him. Before every big moment, he speaks to her internally. She hasn't left his side.
"I think my mom's a big part of it, that just comes to mind right away with how much she's done for my family and me and how she brought me and my brother up."
Matthew Schaefer
The day after winning the Calder, on May 14, 2026, Matthew brought the trophy to Cohen Children's Medical Center in New Hyde Park, New York.
There, he announced the Jennifer Schaefer Child Support Center, a family room being built in his mother's name, sponsored by the Islanders Children's Foundation, set to open in October 2026.
The space will feature hockey-themed design, personal messages from Matthew, and memorabilia, and he plans to visit throughout the year to spend time with families navigating cancer treatment.
"This is obviously something close to my heart, just being able to do something like this for my mom and everyone who's battling cancer," he said.
FAQs
Who is Matthew Schaefer's brother?
Matthew's older brother is Johnathon Schaefer, who was present at both his NHL debut in Pittsburgh and the Calder Trophy surprise on GMA3.
What is Matthew Schaefer's ethnicity?
Matthew Schaefer is Canadian, born and raised in Hamilton, Ontario, his specific ethnic background has not been publicly disclosed.
Does Matthew Schaefer have kids?
No, Matthew Schaefer is 18 years old and has no children.
What is Matthew Schaefer's net worth?
Matthew Schaefer's estimated net worth is approximately $4.475 million, based on his rookie season earnings of a $975K base salary plus $3.5 million in performance bonuses from his entry-level contract with the New York Islanders.
Does Matthew Schaefer have a girlfriend?
Matthew Schaefer has not publicly confirmed being in a relationship; no verified information about a girlfriend is currently available.
