Matthew Schaefer Sweeps 198 First-Place Votes for Calder Trophy at Age 18
Updated
Updated · Russian Machine Never Breaks · May 13
Matthew Schaefer Sweeps 198 First-Place Votes for Calder Trophy at Age 18
21 articles · Updated · Russian Machine Never Breaks · May 13
198 first-place votes made Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer the unanimous 2026 Calder Trophy winner and the youngest Rookie of the Year in NHL history.
The 18-year-old No. 1 pick posted 59 points in 82 games, including 23 goals — the most ever by an 18-year-old defenseman and tied for the rookie blueliner single-season record.
Schaefer also became the first defenseman in more than 90 years to lead all NHL rookies in goals, underscoring why he ran away with the vote.
Washington rookies Ryan Leonard and Justin Sourdif also drew support, finishing eighth and 12th after seasons of 45 and 35 points, but neither threatened Schaefer's sweep.
Is Matthew Schaefer's debut the single greatest rookie season by a defenseman in NHL history?
He broke records as a rookie, but can this 18-year-old superstar now lead the Islanders to a Stanley Cup?
How did an 18-year-old handle record-breaking pressure while grieving to produce such a historic season?