New York Islanders defenceman Matthew Schaefer was named the NHL’s rookie of the month for October on Saturday.
Schaefer ranked third among all rookies in points with three goals and five assists in 11 games.
Also, Vegas Golden Knights centre Jack Eichel was chosen the league’s first star, Winnipeg Jets centre Mark Scheifele second star and Montreal Canadiens goalie Jakub Dobes third star for the first month of the season.
The 18-year-old Schaefer from Hamilton was selected first overall by the Islanders in this year’s draft.
Only one 18-year-old defenceman earned more points in his first 11 games of his NHL career. Phil Housley had 11 in 1982-83 with the Buffalo Sabres.
Schaefer was chosen top rookie in October ahead of Montreal Canadiens teammates Dobes, Ivan Demidov and Oliver Kapanen; Detroit Red Wings centre Emmitt Finnie; Minnesota Wild defenceman Zeev Buium and St. Louis Blues winger Jimmy Snuggerud.
At 18 years, 34 days, Schaefer was the youngest player to record a point in his NHL debut Oct. 9 in a 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Scott Niedermayer previously held the record at 18 years, 46 days.
Schaefer was also the youngest defenceman to register his first goal, which he did in his second game, since Ross Johnstone did at 17 years more than 80 years ago.
Schaefer ran a season-opening point streak to six games with two goals and five assists in that span. He recorded his first game-winning goal Oct. 21 against the San Jose Sharks.
Fresh off signing an eight-year, US$108-million contract extension with Vegas, the 29-year-old Eichel led the NHL with eight goals and 11 assists in 11 games to help the Golden Knights to a 6-2-3 start.
Scheifele collected points in 10 of his first 11 games of the season and scored nine goals to become Winnipeg’s all-time scoring leader. The 32-year-old compiled a six-game point streak to start the season with seven goals and three assists for the Jets, who went 8-3-0.
Dobes went 6-0-0 in October with a 1.97 goals-against average and .930 save percentage for the Canadiens (8-3-0). The 24-year-old Czech made at least 30 saves in three of his six starts and gave up two or fewer goals four times.
