NHL All-Rookie Team 2025/26: Matthew Schaefer and Montreal Duo Named

Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders was named the unanimous winner of the Calder Trophy and selected for the 2025/2026 NHL All-Rookie Team, according to nhl.com. He joins Montreal Canadiens duo Jakub Dobeš and Ivan Demidov, Alexander Nikišin of Carolina, Beckett Sennecke of Anaheim, and Jimmy Snuggerud of St. Louis.

Who made the 2025/2026 NHL All-Rookie Team?

The Professional Hockey Writers Association selected six players for the All-Rookie squad at the end of the regular season. The team features goalkeeper Jakub Dobeš (Montreal), defensemen Matthew Schaefer (New York Islanders) and Alexander Nikišin (Carolina), and forwards Ivan Demidov (Montreal), Beckett Sennecke (Anaheim), and Jimmy Snuggerud (St. Louis).

Did You Know? Matthew Schaefer is the first defenseman in more than 90 years to record the most goals among all league rookies.

How did Matthew Schaefer make NHL history?

Schaefer became the first unanimous winner of the Calder Trophy since the 1992/1993 season, according to nhl.com. The 18-year-old defenseman recorded 23 goals and 36 assists in 82 regular-season games.

He is the youngest defenseman to record a point in his professional debut and the youngest player to decide a debut game with an overtime goal. His performance established several age-related milestones for the New York Islanders.

What impact did Montreal’s rookies have?

The Montreal Canadiens placed two players on the All-Rookie team. Ivan Demidov, a 20-year-old Russian winger drafted fifth overall in 2024, played all 82 games and recorded 62 points with 19 goals and 43 assists.

Demidov is the seventh rookie in Montreal history to score at least 60 points and the fourth to record 40 or more assists. He led all league rookies in total assists. This marks only the third time the Canadiens have had multiple players on the All-Rookie team.

Goaltender Jakub Dobeš, a 25-year-old Czech drafted in the fourth round in 2020, was named the top rookie goaltender. Dobeš appeared in 43 games, securing 29 wins with a .901 save percentage and a 2.78 goals-against average, helping Montreal reach the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that having both a top-tier goaltender and a high-scoring winger enter the All-Rookie team simultaneously provides Montreal with a rare foundation of stability at both ends of the ice.

Which other rookies earned All-Star honors?

Alexander Nikišin of the Carolina Hurricanes contributed 11 goals and 22 assists in 81 games. His performance helped the Hurricanes secure their eighth division title.

Beckett Sennecke, the third overall pick from 2024, recorded 23 goals and 37 assists for the Anaheim Ducks. His contributions helped the franchise return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2017/2018 season.

Jimmy Snuggerud of the St. Louis Blues recorded 11 goals and 16 assists in 70 games. According to the report, the 22-year-old is the seventh rookie in Blues history to record at least 50 points and the first to do so since Nelson Emerson in the 1991/1992 season.

What happens next for these players?

These players could see increased roles in their respective lineups during the 2026/2027 season. The high production from Schaefer and Demidov may lead to more power-play responsibilities, while Dobeš could potentially challenge for a permanent starting role in Montreal.

Emotional Matthew Schaefer takes home Calder Trophy!🏆

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Calder Trophy for the 2025/2026 season?
Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders won the trophy as a unanimous selection.

Which Montreal Canadiens players were named to the All-Rookie team?
Jakub Dobeš and Ivan Demidov were both selected for the team.

How many points did Ivan Demidov record in his rookie season?
Demidov recorded 62 points, consisting of 19 goals and 43 assists.

Which rookie performance do you believe will have the longest impact on their franchise?