Leaning In

Schaefer's makes refreshing Spittin' Chiclets appearance

Good Morning, Islanders Country.

Something different is happening on Long Island.

For years, the New York Islanders were known for keeping things buttoned up. Media access was minimal, players stuck to clichés, and the team operated with an old-school, tight-lipped mentality that came straight from the Lou Lamoriello playbook. But now, under new GM and Executive VP Mathieu Darche, that approach is starting to fade—and nowhere is it more obvious than in how they’re treating their newest star, Matthew Schaefer.

This week, Schaefer appeared on Spittin’ Chiclets, the most popular hockey podcast in the world. It’s not the kind of place you’d expect to hear from a 17-year-old Islander—let alone their first overall pick. Chiclets is loud, irreverent, and brutally honest. But the Islanders aren’t shying away from it anymore.

Instead, they’re leaning in.

Schaefer held his own on the show, proving he has not only an elite skating and hockey IQ but also the charisma and confidence to be a face of the franchise. He talked about the development camp, the passionate Islanders fan base, and how much it means to wear the jersey.

He even chirped Biz, a lot. For a team that’s long avoided putting young players in the spotlight, this felt like a turning point.

The Islanders are clearly modernizing. They’re embracing platforms that reach younger fans, showcasing personality, and letting players become more than just names on the back of the jersey. It’s a total 180 from how things used to be—and fans should be thrilled about it.

This isn’t just about Schaefer being on a podcast.

It’s about the Isles finally stepping into the media age and building stars who connect with the community on and off the ice. The walls are coming down—and the future is brighter because of it.

Let’s dive in.

📰 NEWS: The Islanders have re-signed left winger Adam Beckman to a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000 at the NHL level, the team announced Wednesday. Beckman, 24, returns following a tumultuous 2024-25 campaign that ended with a suspension after a collision with a linesman.

The incident, which occurred in a late-season AHL game, was classified under Rule 40.3 for “deliberate physical force” without intent to injure. The American Hockey League initially issued a 10-game suspension, later reduced to eight. Beckman has already served five of those games and will miss the first three games of the 2025-26 season with Bridgeport.

On the ice, Beckman was productive in limited action. After starting the season with the Utica Comets—AHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils—he tallied 20 assists and 33 points in 43 games. He was acquired by the Islanders at the trade deadline in exchange for defenseman Dennis Cholowski and registered four goals and three assists in 12 appearances with Bridgeport.

NHL, NHLPA Ratify Four-Year CBA Extension Through 2029-30 Season

The NHL and NHLPA have officially ratified a new four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), extending labor peace through the 2029-30 season, more than a year ahead of the current deal’s expiration.

The early extension marks a significant moment of unity between the league and its players, highlighting a collaborative spirit that both sides praised. “The partnership between the Players’ Association and the League is stronger than it ever has been,” said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. “Working together under this agreement presents a fantastic opportunity to continue to grow the game.”

NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh echoed the sentiment: “This CBA shows what can be accomplished when the NHL and the Union work together. That is a win for everyone.”

Key elements of the deal were not immediately disclosed. This agreement sets the foundation for long-term growth, not only in North America but internationally. With the league targeting expansion markets and increased digital engagement, labor peace ensures a stable runway for innovation and fan engagement.

🎥 ISLES REWIND: On July, 9, 2017, Bill Guerin was named the 11th captain in franchise history. The four-time NHL All-Star joined the Islanders in 2007 after inking a two-year deal. During his two seasons with the Isles, Guerin compiled 80 points (39G, 41A) in 142 games. Under his captaincy, the Islanders posted an overall record of 55-74-16.

🔗 5 highlights from NY Islanders Matthew Schaefer's Spittin' Chiclets interview via Eyes on Isles “Under Lamoriello’s regime, the Islanders have been one of the NHL’s most buttoned-up organizations. Personality was something you showed in the locker room and not online, not in interviews, and certainly not on Chiclets, and certainly not by a 17-year-old rookie.”

🔗 Islanders’ rookie camp a ‘full 360 moment’ for Long Island trio by Mitch Fink, New York Post “Brandon Chabrier can hardly believe it, but he’s been skating at Northwell Health Ice Rink for longer than the Islanders have called it home. Chabrier was at the facility, then called Twin Rinks Ice Center, on the day it opened in 2014 as an 11-year-old. The Islanders moved operations to the rink in 2016.”

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And we leave you with this…Butch approves of Schaefer’s appearance.

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