New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer has been awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year, becoming the first player since Teemu Selanne in 1993 to win the honor unanimously. Selected first overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, Schaefer had a standout debut season, recording 59 points (23 goals, 36 assists) and a +13 rating while playing all 82 games. His achievement is especially poignant given the personal loss of his mother in 2024, and he honored the moment by visiting a children's hospital with his trophy. Despite the Islanders falling short of the playoffs, Schaefer emerged as a foundational player for the franchise. The award was presented during a surprise segment on ABC’s 'Good Morning America' with his father and former Islander Matt Martin in attendance.