Matthew Schaefer's more focused on winning than homecoming against Toronto for Islanders

There is, Matthew Schaefer explained, natural excitement.

And how could there not be? For the first time in his nascent NHL career, the presumptive Calder Trophy front-runner will be able to play his first NHL game in front of family and friends in Toronto.

But, in the next breath, the 18-year-old stressed the anticipation is tempered by the twin realities that the Islanders are in a heated playoff race and points are vital.

“Every game matters,” Schaefer said following practice at Northwell Health Ice Center Monday, a little before the team boarded a flight to Canada’s largest city ahead of Tuesday night’s match against the Maple Leafs. “Every game is a playoff game. Every game means a lot.”

Entering Monday, the Islanders (38-24-5) and Penguins (33-18-15) each have 81 points, but Pittsburgh has played one fewer game this season. Pittsburgh is second in the Metropolitan Division with the Islanders third. They are two points ahead of Columbus (34-21-11), which is the first team under the Eastern Conference playoff cut line.

Schaefer, who grew up an hour outside of Toronto in Hamilton, was unsure exactly how many family members, friends and acquaintances will be in Scotiabank Arena to see him play, but he said there would be a private box for those closest to him.

“It’s nuts,” Schaefer said. “Just lots of people are coming.”

Playing in his hometown for the first time as a professional will be an experience that his more seasoned teammates have already had.

“It’s a really special moment,” Anders Lee said. “You get to have as many friends as possible and family that can attend the game. It’s also going to be on local TV, so anyone who can’t make it can watch it. A lot of the people that helped you along the way from your hometown get to share in that moment with you. It’s extremely special.”

In Schaefer’s case, along with catching up with those in his life, there will be the questions from Toronto reporters at the Islanders’ morning skate and after the game.

Which prompted a question:

How will he balance preparing for this game with all of the ancillary responsibilities that will go with it?

“I don’t think he has a problem with that,” Scott Mayfield said. “He’s kind of had that all year, being the first overall pick and the media attention on him. He’s handled it pretty well.”

Varlamov's injuries revealed

Semyon Varlamov had “two knee replacement” surgeries, coach Patrick Roy said Monday in response to a question about the veteran goaltender taking shots from teammates at the end of the 45-minute session.

Varlamov, who last played on Nov. 29, 2024, is currently on long-term injured reserve and GM Mathieu Darche, in his Zoom call with reporters after the trade deadline, said the Islanders do not expect the 37-year-old to play this season.

Varlamov has been skating on his own for most of the 2025-26 season. Monday was the first time he was able to join teammates on the ice. The goaltender has one year remaining on the four-year, $11 million contract he signed with the Islanders on July 1, 2023.

“I expect to be ready for next season,” Varlamov said during his availability on breakup day last April. “Everything is going well with the rehab and the physical therapy. The main focus for me is to finish the rehab hopefully soon and have a good summer of training.”

Max Shabanov is day-to-day with a lower-body injury, the team announced Monday.