Schaefer’s Future Built Around Him | NHL News

NHL News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 24, 2026 · 1m

Matthew Schaefer’s rookie season shattered records, cementing him as the New York Islanders’ cornerstone. Now, the focus is on building a championship-caliber roster around him — and they’re doing it with a loaded draft class. Victor Eklund’s relentless energy and shot, Cole Eiserman’s finishing, and Kamil Bednarik’s smart play form a potent forward core. Daniil Prokhorov’s physicality and heavy shot are ready to shine in the AHL, while Quinn Finley and Danny Nelson bring scoring and two-way grit. On defense, Kashawn Aitcheson’s intensity and Jesse Pulkkinen’s creativity (with skating to…