NHL Morning Coffee Headlines – July 23, 2026
The latest on Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer, a look at possible trends regarding restricted free agents, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
NHL.COM: Defenseman Matthew Schaefer said it would be an honor if he were named captain of the New York Islanders, but that’s not his focus right now.
New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer (NHL Images).
Schaefer, who turns 19 in September, pointed out that the Islanders already have so many leaders. He singled out Bo Horvat and Brayden Schenn, who were captains with their previous teams. “I’m still young, so I’m in no rush.”
Entering his second NHL season, Schaefer will be eligible to sign a contract extension next July. However, he’s not concerned about getting a big payday.
“I’ll let my agent think about that,” Schaefer said. “I don’t need to think about that. I’m still a kid; I’m still a year away from any of that. I love Long Island; we have something special going on there. I don’t care about the money. I just want to play the game of hockey, and that’s what I love.”
The first-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, Schaefer won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the 2025-26 Rookie of the Year.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Schaefer may not be thinking about his next contract, but his agent and Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche definitely will be. If he improves on his impressive debut campaign, he’ll be in line for a substantial raise that could reach at least $18 million annually.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Andre Leal recently suggested that Connor Bedard’s new five-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks signals a trend among restricted free agents signing mid-term contract extensions rather than maximum term.
Other RFAs who signed five-year deals include Leo Carlsson (via offer sheet) and Pavel Mintyukov of the Anaheim Ducks, Simon Nemec of the Calgary Flames, Cole Perfetti of the Winnipeg Jets, Brandt Clarke of the Los Angeles Kings, and Dylan Holloway of the St. Louis Blues.
Notable RFAs who opted for four-year terms this summer were Trevor Zegras and Jamie Drysdale of the Philadelphia Flyers, Peyton Krebs of the Buffalo Sabres, and Jordan Spence of the Ottawa Senators.
Meanwhile, Ryan O’Hara noted that Utah Mammoth defenseman John Marino signed an eight-year extension this week. He suggested Marino’s deal might be the first of many massive extensions before Sept. 15.
That date is the deadline for teams to sign players to eight-year contracts. After that, the maximum term for re-signing players drops to seven years. Those for unrestricted free agents go from seven years to six.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: It will be interesting to see how many opt for the maximum term or a shorter deal. The remaining noteworthy RFAs include Cutter Gauthier of the Anaheim Ducks, Adam Fantilli of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Simon Edvinsson of the Detroit Red Wings, and Alexander Nikishin of the Carolina Hurricanes.
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: The Blue Jackets signed forward Danton Heinen to a one-year, two-way contract.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Stefen Rosner cited a report claiming former Boston Bruins assistant general manager Evan Gold could be heading to the New York Islanders.
Leo Carlsson signed a 5-year deal, not 4.
Why would Scheafer get $18M if he “doesn’t care about the money”? Sounds like he’ll sign massively below market value given his, what I’m sure is truly genuine and not at all disingenuine, comment.
Remember what George Young, the late former NFL GM said. When they say it’s not about the money it’s always about the money.
Tim Horton said that he got paid for practices and training camp. The games he would play for free.
Schafer loves playing hockey. But he and his agent will make sure he’s well paid for training camp and practices.
The trend makes sense for players for two fold. One it can maximize their total career earnings and it also puts pressure on teams to build competively or risk losing their marquee stars.
The islanders captaincy siituation that needs some thought. I dont like the idea of taking the C off a player just because you feel it is now time for your star to wear it. If you make horvat the captain he should be captain until he moves on from the islanders. At that time Schaeffer can have the C. If you want Schaeffer to be the captain in a year or two…dont select a captain tight now, its disrespectful to simply have a player as a placeholder.
That’s my take.
Matt Schaeffer, he is definitely the kind of player you’d love to have on your team. He should get the C. He’s the guy there.
Schaeffer will very likely be their best player if he isn’t already.
And I’m pretty big on the captain needs to be one of your best players. Agree with 1Oilerfan, if you make someone the captain, he stays the captain until he leaves.
Go with Horvat IMO, very good player, and judging from Schaeffer’s comments, he likes it the way it is now. And he’s right he is just a kid.
If just focusing on hockey is what works for him, then keep doing it IMO.
Meanwhile, Ivan Demidov signed a max term deal at a very reasonable AAV. Looking better every day,