Matthew Schaefer ruled out of World Championships despite historic rookie season

Matthew Schaefer will not play for Canada at the 2026 World Championships following a standout rookie season with the New York Islanders.

According to The Hockey News, the decision comes after the 18-year-old defenceman completed a record breaking campaign, scoring 22 goals and adding 36 assists for 59 points in 82 games.

He tied the rookie goal record set by Brian Leech.

Schaefer had previously missed most of the 2024-25 season due to injury and illness, making his full season workload a factor in the decision.

Despite his performance, he was narrowly left off Canada’s roster for the upcoming Winter Olympics.

Islanders head coach Pete DeBoer spoke about the selection process, saying; “I would say hindsight that’s easy. I was in all those rooms, and it’s really hard to put an 18-year-old on an Olympic team.”

“But having stood behind that bench with him for four games… I’ll put it this way, he’ll be on every Olympic team for the next 15 years”, he added.

Schaefer is considered a leading contender for the Calder Trophy, with finalists to be announced in early May.