Four NY Islanders make ESPN Top 100 as Matthew Schaefer’s ranking raises eyebrows

Four New York Islanders players have been featured in ESPN's latest ranking of the NHL's top 100 players. Matthew Schaefer led the team by placing at No. 16 following a rookie season where he won the Calder Trophy. ESPN writer Greg Wyshynski noted that placing the 19-year-old defenseman inside the top 20 may raise eyebrows, but highlighted his offensive production and high upside.

Goaltender Ilya Sorokin ranked No. 27 after leading the NHL with seven shutouts the previous season. Captain Bo Horvat climbed to No. 85, while Mathew Barzal dropped to No. 91 following injury-interrupted seasons.