Matthew Schaefer Girlfriend: 2025 Relationship Status Update

Matthew Schaefer, the 17-year-old hockey prodigy and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft by the New York Islanders, has been making waves on the ice with his elite skating and playmaking skills. Fresh off an impressive showing at the Islanders’ development camp in July 2025, where he dazzled with crisp breakout passes and strong backchecking, Schaefer is quickly becoming a household name among hockey fans.

But while his professional achievements are well-documented, many are curious about his personal life—specifically, whether Matthew Schaefer has a girlfriend or is navigating the dating world as a rising star. Let’s dive into what we know about his relationship status.

Is Matthew Schaefer Dating?

There’s no confirmed information about Matthew Schaefer being in a relationship. A May 2025 article noted speculation about him dating, but it emphasized that no concrete evidence supports these claims.

The absence of public details about a girlfriend doesn’t mean Schaefer is avoiding relationships altogether. At 17, he’s at an age where many young people are exploring dating, but his schedule is far from typical.

Between recovering from a broken collarbone sustained at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, training with NHL veterans like Mark Giordano, and preparing for his first full NHL training camp in September, Schaefer’s life is packed with commitments.

Add to that his emotional journey of grieving significant losses, and it’s understandable that romantic relationships might not be his primary focus right now.

A Young Star with a Bright Future

At just 17, Schaefer is balancing the pressures of being a top NHL prospect with the challenges of young adulthood. Born on September 5, 2007, in Hamilton, Ontario, he’s already achieved remarkable feats, from captaining Team Canada to gold at the 2024 IIHF World Under-18 Championship to earning the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award despite a season cut short by injury.

His journey hasn’t been without hardship—Schaefer has faced profound personal losses, including the passing of his mother, Jennifer, to breast cancer in February 2024, and his billet mom, Emily Matson, to an apparent suicide in December 2023. These experiences have shaped him into a resilient and mature individual, qualities that shine through both on and off the ice.

Given his age and demanding career, it’s natural to wonder how Schaefer manages his personal life. Fans often speculate about the romantic lives of young athletes, especially someone as high-profile as Schaefer, whose draft night moment—kissing a breast cancer ribbon on his Islanders jersey in honor of his mother—tugged at heartstrings worldwide.

Balancing Fame

Young athletes like Schaefer often face a delicate balancing act between their public personas and private lives. The spotlight can be intense, especially for someone projected to be a generational talent, drawing comparisons to NHL stars like Cale Makar and Drew Doughty.

Schaefer’s recent appearance on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, where he playfully batted away trade rumors and joked about his signing bonus, showed his ability to engage with fans while keeping things light. However, he’s been notably guarded about personal matters, focusing public conversations on hockey and his dedication to honoring his late mother’s memory.

His social media presence, while active, tends to center on hockey highlights, team moments, and tributes to his family, particularly his mother.

The Influence of Family and Support Systems

To understand Schaefer’s approach to relationships, it’s worth looking at the support system that has shaped him. His family—father Todd, older brother Johnny, and late mother Jennifer—has been a cornerstone of his life. Jennifer, in particular, played a significant role in his hockey journey, even donning goalie pads in the basement to help her sons practice.

Her passing in 2024 left a profound impact, and Schaefer has spoken openly about how her strength inspires him. During the 2025 NHL Draft, he wore a suit jacket lined with her photos and signature, a touching tribute that underscored her influence.

Schaefer’s brother Johnny, who also played in the OHL, and his father have been constants at his side, attending draft events and cheering him on. This tight-knit family dynamic suggests that any romantic partner in Schaefer’s life would likely need to understand the importance of family and the demands of his career.

What Fans Are Saying

The curiosity about Schaefer’s relationship status isn’t just limited to news outlets—fans are buzzing too. Online discussions, particularly on platforms like social media, show a mix of admiration for his talent and interest in his personal life.

Some fans speculate about whether he’s dating, often pointing to his charm and maturity as qualities that would make him a catch. Others, aware of his young age and recent challenges, advocate for giving him space to focus on his career and healing process. This fan sentiment reflects a broader respect for Schaefer, not just as a player but as a person navigating a complex journey.

One post from earlier in 2025 mentioned Schaefer attending a team event with a group of friends, but no specific mention of a girlfriend surfaced. These tidbits fuel speculation but don’t provide definitive answers.

What’s clear is that Schaefer’s fans are invested in his happiness, whether that includes a romantic relationship or not. They celebrate his achievements—like his standout performance at the Islanders’ development camp—and seem content to let him share personal details on his own terms.

How Schaefer’s Life Stage Shapes His Relationships

Being 17 in 2025 means Schaefer is at a unique point in life. Most teenagers his age are juggling school, friendships, and maybe first loves, but Schaefer’s world is far more intense. His days are filled with training, travel, and high-stakes games, all while carrying the weight of being the No. 1 draft pick.

This lifestyle can make dating tricky—finding time for a girlfriend would require someone who understands the demands of professional sports and the emotional toll of his recent losses.

Moreover, Schaefer’s maturity, forged through adversity, sets him apart. He’s spoken about visiting the Western New York Compassion Connection to support grieving children, a testament to his empathy and desire to give back.

Looking Ahead: Schaefer’s Bright Horizon

As Schaefer gears up for the 2025-26 NHL season, his focus is clearly on hockey. His recent performance at the Islanders’ camp, where he built chemistry with teammates like Adam Pelech and Isaiah George, signals a promising future. Training in Toronto with seasoned pros like Mark Giordano shows his commitment to growth.

Fans will likely keep speculating about his personal life, but the real story is Schaefer’s resilience. From leading Canada to international gold medals to earning the top spot in the 2025 draft, he’s shown he can handle pressure.

Conclusion

Matthew Schaefer is single. At 17, this NHL prodigy is focused on his career, navigating the demands of being the No. 1 draft pick while honoring the memory of his mother, Jennifer. As fans, we can admire his talent and heart, cheering for his success on the ice.