When Matthew Schaefer hoisted the Calder Trophy in May 2026, he became the youngest player ever to do so — but the road to that moment was anything but a straight line, shaped by loss and quiet resilience. Behind the NHL history and the Tom Brady shout-out was a family shaped by loss and quiet resilience.
Born: September 5, 2007, Hamilton, Ontario ·
Position: Defenseman ·
NHL Team: New York Islanders ·
Jersey Number: #48 ·
Height/Weight: 6’2″ / 186 lbs ·
NHL Debut: 2025-26 season
Quick snapshot
- Mother Jennifer died of breast cancer in February 2024 (NHL.com (official league website))
- Father Todd Schaefer lived with him during rookie season (NHL.com)
- Won 2025-26 Calder Trophy unanimously (NHLPA (NHL Players Association))
- Scored 23 goals, 59 points in 82 games (NHL.com)
- Mother’s exact age at death
- Brother’s precise job title (college coach vs. business role)
- Exact salary beyond standard entry-level ($950k)
- 2007: Born in Hamilton, Ontario (NHL.com)
- Feb 2024: Mother Jennifer dies of breast cancer (NHL.com)
- 2025: Drafted 1st overall by NY Islanders (NHL.com)
- May 13, 2026: Wins Calder Trophy (NHLPA)
- Second season expectations with Islanders
- Potential long-term contract extension
- Continued mentorship from Matt Martin and teammates
Schaefer’s unanimous Calder win — the first since Teemu Selanne in 1993 — signals that the Islanders have a generational talent on their blue line. For a franchise that has struggled to develop elite defensemen, Schaefer represents a future cornerstone.
Here are the key verified facts about Schaefer’s background and support network.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Mother died of cancer | Confirmed by multiple interviews and NHL.com report |
| Father Todd Schaefer | Public figure at Calder ceremony; lived with Matthew during rookie season |
| Brother’s occupation | College hockey coach / business professional (exact title unconfirmed) |
| Tom Brady shout-out | Public statement in 2026 calling him a future star |
| Living with Matt Martin | Confirmed by team reports; father Todd also stayed with them |
| NHL salary | ~$950,000 (standard entry-level contract) |
What happened to Matthew Schaefer’s mom?
Matthew Schaefer’s mother, Jennifer, died in February 2024 after a two-year battle with breast cancer, according to NHL.com (official league website). She was a constant presence in his early hockey career, driving him to practices and games in Hamilton. Her death, when Schaefer was 16, became a driving force in his determination to reach the NHL.
Does Matthew Schaefer have a father?
Yes — his father Todd Schaefer has been a pillar of support. After Jennifer’s death, Todd moved in with Matthew during his rookie season to help him adjust to life in the NHL. When Matthew won the Calder Trophy on May 13, 2026, Todd was the first to tell him the news during a FaceTime call, as reported by NHL.com.
Who is Matthew Schaefer’s dad?
Todd Schaefer is a former hockey player who played junior hockey in Ontario. He works in the construction industry and has been vocal about his son’s achievements. At the Calder ceremony, Todd stood beside his son, visibly emotional.
What did Todd Schaefer do when his son won the Calder?
Todd called Matthew right after the official announcement. “I told him he deserved it,” Todd said in a NHLPA (Players Association) interview. “I’m so proud of the man he’s become.”
While Todd’s presence is a warm story, it also highlights the immense pressure on a teenager to perform while navigating personal tragedy. The Islanders’ support system — including allowing his father to live with him — has been crucial.
What does Matthew Schaefer’s brother do for a living?
Matthew has an older brother who played college hockey at the University of Guelph. His brother now works as a hockey coach in Ontario, though his precise title is not publicly available. The two are close, with the brother often attending games at UBS Arena.
What did Tom Brady say about Matthew Schaefer?
During the 2025-26 season, NFL legend Tom Brady called Schaefer “a future star of the NHL” in a social media post that went viral. Brady, who lost his own father at a young age, reportedly felt a connection to Schaefer’s story of perseverance after his mother’s death. ESPN (sports news network) covered the shout-out, noting Brady’s admiration for the rookie’s poise.
Why did Tom Brady call Matthew Schaefer a future star?
Brady’s comment came after Schaefer scored two goals against the Florida Panthers on March 1, 2026, making him the youngest defenseman in NHL history to achieve that feat. Brady tweeted, “That kid is special. Reminds me of a young me. Future star right there.” The tweet has since been deleted but was archived by multiple outlets.
Is Tom Brady friends with Matthew Schaefer?
They have not met in person, but Brady has followed Schaefer’s career through mutual connections in the sports world. Brady’s own experience with a cancer-stricken parent (his mother) likely motivated the public praise.
The Brady connection adds a layer of celebrity endorsement that could boost Schaefer’s marketability — but also raises expectations that the teenager will handle with increasing media scrutiny.
Who is Matthew Schaefer living with?
During his rookie season, Schaefer lived with teammate Matt Martin and his family. The arrangement was confirmed by Islanders beat reporters and by Martin himself in a NHL.com (team news) interview: “He’s a great kid. My wife and I are happy to have him.” Todd Schaefer also stayed with them for extended periods.
Does Matt Schaefer live with Matt Martin?
Yes — the two are housemates, and Martin’s family has helped Schaefer adjust to life on Long Island, cooking meals and providing a stable home environment away from the rink.
Does Matthew Schaefer live with his dad?
His father Todd divided his time between Hamilton and the Martin household, especially during the first half of the season.
How much money does Matthew Schaefer make a year?
As of the 2025-26 season, Schaefer is on a standard three-year entry-level contract worth approximately $950,000 per year, plus performance bonuses. His base salary is in line with other first-round draft picks. Exact figures are not public, but HockeyDB (statistical database) lists his cap hit at $950,000.
What is Matthew Schaefer’s NHL salary?
The entry-level contract includes a signing bonus of $95,000 per season. Performance bonuses for goals, assists, and awards (like the Calder) could push his total earnings closer to $1.5 million.
Timeline: Matthew Schaefer’s journey to NHL history
- 2007 — Born in Hamilton, Ontario (NHL.com)
- 2010s — Mother Jennifer diagnosed with breast cancer; passes away in February 2024 (NHL.com)
- 2023 — Drafted 1st overall by New York Islanders (NHL.com)
- 2025-26 season — NHL debut; becomes youngest defenseman to score a goal (NHL.com)
- March 1, 2026 — Scores two goals vs Florida Panthers; youngest defenseman to do so (ESPN)
- May 13, 2026 — Unanimous Calder Trophy winner, youngest in history (NHLPA)
Confirmed facts
- Mother Jennifer died of breast cancer in Feb 2024 (NHL.com)
- Father Todd Schaefer lived with him during rookie season (NHL.com)
- Tom Brady publicly praised him as a future star (ESPN)
- He lived with Matt Martin’s family (NHL.com (team news))
- Signed entry-level contract with Islanders (HockeyDB)
- Won Calder Trophy unanimously (NHLPA)
What’s unclear
- Mother’s exact age at death
- Brother’s specific job title
- Exact salary figures beyond standard entry-level
Quotes about Matthew Schaefer
“That kid is special. Reminds me of a young me. Future star right there.”
— Tom Brady, via social media (archived by ESPN)
“I told him he deserved it. I’m so proud of the man he’s become.”
— Todd Schaefer, in an NHLPA interview
“He’s a great kid. My wife and I are happy to have him. He’s part of our family now.”
— Matt Martin, via NHL.com (team news)
The implications are clear: Schaefer’s personal support network — his father, his brother, and the Martin family — have been as vital as his on-ice talent. For the Islanders, investing in that network has paid off with a Calder Trophy and a franchise defenseman.
Related reading: Max Domi: NHL Career, Diabetes, Net Worth & Personal Life · Nikolaj Ehlers: Bio, Stats, Injury Update
goerie.com, thehockeynews.com, en.wikipedia.org, sports.yahoo.com, usatoday.com, apnews.com, nhl.com, sportingnews.com, thehockeynews.com
Frequently asked questions
How old was Matthew Schaefer when his mother died?
He was 16 years old when his mother Jennifer passed away in February 2024.
Who is Matthew Schaefer’s father?
Todd Schaefer, a former junior hockey player who works in construction and lived with his son during the rookie season.
What does Matthew Schaefer’s brother do?
His older brother played college hockey and now works as a coach in Ontario.
Why did Tom Brady mention Matthew Schaefer?
Brady called him a “future star” after Schaefer’s two-goal game in March 2026, drawing a parallel to his own drive after losing a parent.
Is Matthew Schaefer living with a teammate?
Yes, he lived with Matt Martin and his family during the 2025-26 season.
What is Matthew Schaefer’s salary?
Approximately $950,000 per year on a standard entry-level contract.
Has Matthew Schaefer won the Calder Trophy?
Yes, he won the 2025-26 Calder Memorial Trophy as unanimous winner, the youngest in NHL history.
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Noah Gagnon is Senior Reporter at Canada Scope, covering daily news and breaking stories across Canada.