Matthew Schaefer tied a National Hockey League record on April 10 by scoring his 23rd goal of the season as a rookie defenseman. The goal, which came from the left circle and gave the New York Islanders a 3-2 lead over the Toronto Maple Leafs midway through the second period, matches Brian Leetch’s single-season mark for goals by a rookie defenseman.
Leetch originally set this record during the 1988-89 season while playing for the New York Rangers. Schaefer’s achievement places him alongside one of hockey’s notable milestones for first-year players in his position.
Schaefer has already set other records this season. He holds both the Islanders franchise record for most points by a rookie defenseman and the NHL record for most points by an eighteen-year-old defenseman. With his current tally of 59 points—comprising 23 goals and 36 assists—he is ranked second on his team in overall scoring.
The accomplishment was recognized across league media channels. “He’s now tied the NHL record for the most goals by a rookie defenseman in a single season with 23!” said an official statement from NHL Public Relations on April 10.
Schaefer is now just one goal away from standing alone atop this particular list, marking another potential milestone as he continues his debut campaign.
