Wayne Gretzky recently shared a bold take by declaring New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer a Hart Trophy candidate. Schaefer, 18, has impressed fans and analysts this season for his smooth transition into the NHL.
The Islanders rookie has not looked out of place and has delivered under pressure. He has lived up to the expectations that come with being a 1st overall pick.
New York currently sit 3rd in the Metropolitan division with 79 points, tied with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The playoff race is tight, but the Islanders seem confident that they will secure a playoff berth. Their resurgence has been a result of strong performances, particularly Schaefer on the back-end.
Gretzky, a four-time Stanley Cup winner and Hockey Hall of Famer, has taken notice of the young phenom’s play. Now working as an analyst for TNT Sports, ‘The Great One’ lauded Schaefer as a game-changer for the Islanders.
Wayne Gretzky Makes Strong Hart Trophy Case for Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer
Wayne Gretzky not only praised Matthew Schaefer for his exceptional season, but also argued that he deserves to win the Hart Trophy.
Gretzky admitted that it would be difficult to award Schaefer with the Norris Trophy for best defenseman over Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes. He said they have been better defenseman, which was not a knock on the Islanders rookie. However, in terms of value to his team, he believes Schaefer is a stronger candidate for the Hart Trophy.
“You can’t pick [Schaefer] above [Makar and Hughes] for the Norris. But I’m sitting here thinking, my goodness, would [the Islanders] be where they are right now without him? What about winning the MVP of the league,” Gretzky told the TNT Sports. “That’s how good this kid has been. I’m not saying he’s going to win, I’m just saying that’s the talk he should be in.”
Gretzky Says Schaefer Has Been More Important to His Team
Gretzky also claimed that Schaefer has been more important to the Islanders, which should gain him more recognition.
The trophy is awarded to the player considered to be most valuable to their team throughout the regular season. Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon seem to be the current front-runners, with San Jose Sharks star Macklin Celebrini also in the mix. However, ‘The Great One’ feels Schaefer deserves acknowledgment as well.
Gretzky explained his reasoning and noted that Schaefer checks all the boxes. He pointed to the current standings and said that McDavid and MacKinnon have impact their respected teams. But the Islanders’ success and possible playoff berth is a direct result of Schaefer’s play.
“That’s what the basis of the MVP trophy is. Who is the most valuable player to their team in the league? And right now, it’s hard to say that he’s not the most important player to the New York Islanders than anybody in the National Hockey League,” Gretzky said.
He added:
“I know MacKinnon, I know McDavid’s the best player in the game but take a step back and say, ‘Would the Islanders be where they are today without Schaefer?’ And I don’t think they would be.”
Wayne Gretzky Drops Bold Hart Trophy Take on Islanders’ Matthew Schaefer