The New York Islanders have acquired forward Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for a 2026 first-round pick (Colorado’s), a third-round pick, Jonathan Drouin, and Marcus Gidlof, as per Darren Dreger.
The years of the picks and the exact prospect was not yet disclosed by publishing time.
Islanders Acquire Gritty Forward With Leadership & Stanley Cup Experience
Schenn, a 2018 NHL All-Star, brings 17 seasons of NHL experience to New York and checks many boxes for his new club, which sits third in the Metropolitan Division and is looking to get back into the playoffs after missing out last season. The 34 year old has been a consistent 20-plus goal scorer and 50-plus point-per-season producer over his career. This consistency has made him a trade target in past seasons, but he has not been moved until now (he waived his no-movement clause to facilitate the trade).
In addition to his scoring consistency, Schenn is a strong defender and is not afraid to drop the gloves to stand up for his teammates. His on-ice production and leadership in the locker room saw him named Blues’ captain starting in the 2023-24 season. His two-way pedigree and physicality will be welcomed on the Islanders’ middle six.
Schenn has 12 goals and 16 assists for 28 points in 61 games this season, and 290 goals and 423 assists for 713 points in 1,083-career games between the Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, and Blues.
Of course, Schenn’s biggest asset is his Stanley Cup experience. He played a top-line role on the Blues’ Stanley Cup-winning 2019 squad and scored several key goals throughout the playoff run. He has 13 goals and 30 assists for 43 points in 82-career postseason games.
The Islanders will retain Schenn’s services through the 2027-28 season, when his eight-year contract with a $6.5 million cap hit expires. This means they’ll have Schenn for multiple potential playoff runs rather than just as a rental.
Another Domino Falls for the Blues
Doug Armstrong’s last season as Blues’ general manager has been a frustrating one. Instead of being a playoff contender, he finds himself selling as his team is last in the Central Division. Schenn is the latest domino to fall: They selling started shortly before the 2026 Winter Olympics, when Nick Bjugstad was traded to the New Jersey Devils.
Related: 2026 NHL Trade Deadline Tracker
The Blues have gotten a strong return, though, with three pieces — most notably a first-rounder and a towering goaltending prospect in Gidlof — to help them build for the future.
The Blues will also need to choose a new captain. However, that will likely not happen until the summer or fall. Colton Parayko, who blocked a trade to the Buffalo Sabres by refusing to waive his no-movement clause, could be seen as the current favorite to wear the “C,” but we will have to wait and see who the organization chooses.
Both Sides Can Win This Trade
The Islanders have gotten someone who can help them immediately. The Blues have obtained assets for their future. Will a more definitive winner be decided in the future? Perhaps. For now, both teams have gotten something they need.
