BREAKING: Schaefer's 18th Birthday IGNITES Fierce Debate | Is NHL READY for Islanders Phenom?

Matthew Schaefer's NHL future hangs in the balance as the New York Islanders face a crucial decision. Should the 18-year-old prospect make his NHL debut or continue developing in juniors? Host Gil Martin dissects this pivotal choice, weighing long-term growth against immediate impact. The discussion shifts to the Islanders' fiercest out-of-division rivals, with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning taking center stage. Martin also spotlights recent U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame inductees with Islanders ties, including photographer Bruce Bennett and former players Scott Gomez and Zach Parise. Discover why John Tavares' departure ignited a rivalry and how the Islanders' "retool year" could shape their future. Will Schaefer don the Islanders jersey this season? Tune in for expert analysis on the team's path forward. All this and more on today's Locked On Islanders Podcast with Gil Martin. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNHL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONNHL at monarchmoney.com/lockedonnhl for 50% off your first year. FanDuel Download the FanDuel app now by visiting FanDuel.com and win $300 in bonus bets if your first $5 bet wins. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER : 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.