Matthew Schaefer’s incredible rookie season was given the recognition it deserved.
The Islanders defenseman was named the NHL’s Calder Trophy winner as the league’s most outstanding rookie on Wednesday afternoon. The award had been expected — he won it unanimously with 198 votes — but the timing came as a surprise.
Schaefer was told about it during a taped segment on Good Morning America in which he was surprised by his father and brother.
While he’s downplayed the meaning of individual awards in the past, the 18-year-old appeared emotional at the announcement.
Schaefer had 59 points in his first season as an Islander, tying Brian Leetch’s rookie record with 23 goals.
