Matthew Schaefer, the first overall pick in last month's draft, aspires to be on the New York Islanders' opening-night roster while acknowledging the need to improve his strength. Schaefer understands he must work hard in the gym and on the ice to compete against experienced players. The Islanders' training staff will help him gain size before training camp in September. Despite potential growing pains, rookies like Schaefer are likely to see significant ice time in their first season, particularly after a team trade suggests a planned role for him.
I want to be in that opening-night roster and there's still some things I got to work on in the gym, on the ice. I think just getting stronger is the thing for me.
Size and strength is something that a lot of youngsters will struggle with early on because they're playing against guys who've been training at a world-class level for decades.
Expect him to pack on some size and strength before training camp begins in September.
Rookies, especially those drafted Nos. 1 and 2 overall, are likely to see extended NHL time in their first season.
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