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Schaefer’s Contract Could Redefine Defenseman Pay | New York Islanders News
Matthew Schaefer, the 2025 draft’s top pick, is already rewriting the rookie record books with 23 goals and 36 assists in his first season—and he’s not even eligible to sign his next contract yet. As league agents gear up to push for historic defenseman deals, Schaefer’s camp is weighing a bold strategy: wait, dominate, and cash in when the market peaks. With forwards like Leo Carlsson setting new pay scales and stars like Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar looming with massive extensions, Schaefer could be the first defenseman to crack the $10 million annual mark on his first big deal. The…
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