The excitement around Matthew Schaefer, the No. 1 pick of the 2025 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders, has been palpable on Long Island, with the 18-year-old defenseman’s tantalizing potential earning him a spot in the opening night lineup Thursday against the Penguins.
It didn't take long for him to live up to the hype, becoming the youngest defenseman in NHL history to notch a point in his debut at just 18 years, 34 days old. After a little more than 17 minutes of total ice time, Schaefer already has an NHL record to his name.
The jersey he wore during the second period of his debut is now available to fans at auction, with bidding opening at $500.
Collectors have long coveted debut jerseys from top draft picks and rising stars, with many considering the sweater to be the ultimate piece of memorabilia from a player’s career.
But being able to land a player's first jersey immediately after his NHL debut is a new wrinkle.
This is the latest initiative from the Islanders Game Originals program, which the team launched last month in partnership with cllct, to bring authenticated game-used gear to fans directly from the ice.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this piece of Islanders history to the fans,” said Courtney Lynch, Islanders vice president of retail operations. “Even more exciting is the speed with which fans will be able to get in on the action as part of our new Islanders Game Originals program.”
cllct founder Darren Rovell echoed a similar sentiment.
“Never before has a team offered the debut jersey of the top overall pick in the draft to fans in such swift fashion," Rovell said. "The Islanders continue to pave the way in the memorabilia world while keeping fans at the forefront.”
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct, the premier company for collectible culture.