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 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 Leo Carlsson of the Anaheim Ducks (via offer sheet), 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.