New York Islanders
Islanders’ Star Rookie Added to Team Canada’s Olympic Eligibility List
Matthew Schaefer has been added to Team Canada’s Olympic eligibility list, entering IOC testing protocol after an impressive NHL start.
One of the most surprising and fast-rising storylines in Canadian hockey took another major step forward this week, as 18-year-old defenseman Matthew Schaefer has officially entered Olympic drug-testing protocol, making him eligible to be selected for Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Games. The news was first reported by Elliotte Friedman, who noted that despite not being invited to Canada’s August orientation camp, Schaefer is now “in the fight” for a roster spot in Milan.
Friedman wrote in his latest column: “Total credit to him. He’s been above 25 minutes six times in 20 games, and his arrival breathed new life into Long Island. You can’t tell me his positive aura isn’t an important factor in their rise to a .600 points percentage.”
Pierre LeBrun added further confirmation, reporting that Hockey Canada formally informed Schaefer on Wednesday night that he had been added to the IOC’s long list, which features more than 90 players. Because the IOC requires all potential Olympians to be registered in its testing pool, Hockey Canada had to complete a specific protocol before Schaefer could enter the system. That final approval came just days ago.
Schaefer’s arrival “breathed new life into Long Island,” and now Team Canada has taken notice. While talk surrounds players like Macklin Celebrini and Connor Bedard, Schaefer has become the kind of dynamic star that might be simply too good to leave off the team.
Is Anyone Really Surprised Schaefer is on Team Canada’s Radar?
He is quickly becoming the frontrunner for the Calder Trophy. With 15 points in 20 games, a plus-4 rating, and an average 22:30 of ice time per night, he’s been one of the league’s most productive and reliable young defensemen. His poise, workload, and ability to drive play have impressed scouts across the league — and clearly, Hockey Canada has noticed as well.
Schaefer is no stranger to winning on the international stage. He has already captured gold at the U17 World Hockey Championships, the U18 Worlds, and the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Now, just months into his NHL career, he’s officially in the mix for the biggest international stage of all: the Olympic Games.
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