Matthew Schaefer is playing like a Norris defenseman already

Eyes On Isles writer Nate Duffett argues that New York Islanders defenseman Matthew Schaefer is performing like a Norris Trophy contender in his sophomore NHL campaign. The 19-year-old blueliner is already logging an average of 25:26 of ice time per game under coach Peter DeBoer and establishing himself as the team's most relied-upon option across all key game situations.

Schaefer's strong advanced metrics include a 54.9% expected goals percentage (xGF%) and 58.4% shots-for percentage (SF%). After winning the Calder Trophy unanimously in his rookie season and finishing 12th in Norris voting, Duffett believes Schaefer has the potential to finish among the top five vote-getters this season.