Today, Doug Armstrong, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager for the St. Louis Blues, announced a big trade. The Blues are acquiring Colorado’s first-round pick in 2026, New Jersey’s third-round pick in 2026, forward Jonathan Drouin, and goaltender Marcus Gidlof from the New York Islanders. In exchange, St. Louis is sending forward Brayden Schenn to New York.
Jonathan Drouin, 30, has played in 55 games for the Islanders this season. He has 21 points with three goals and 18 assists. Over his 12 NHL seasons, he’s played for Tampa Bay, Montreal, Colorado, and now New York, racking up 395 points in 662 regular-season games.
Goaltender Marcus Gidlof is only 20 and was drafted by the Islanders in 2024. He’s played 24 games for Leksands IF in Sweden’s SHL this season, with a record of 9 wins and 15 losses, a goals-against average of 2.84, and a save percentage of .896. In total, Gidlof has played 42 games in the SHL, achieving a .899 save percentage.
Brayden Schenn, 34, has been a key player for the Blues, dressing in 61 games this season and scoring 28 points. He has been with the Blues for the past nine seasons, including the last three as team captain. In his career, Schenn has amassed 713 points across 1,083 games.
This trade marks a significant shift for both teams. The Blues look to the future, gaining valuable draft picks and promising players, while the Islanders gain an experienced forward in Schenn. Recent trends in the NHL show teams increasingly valuing younger talent and future picks over seasoned players, reflecting a broader strategy in professional sports.
As teams adjust their rosters, fans are reacting on social media. Many are excited about the new acquisitions, highlighting the potential for growth in younger players like Gidlof. Others are nostalgic, reminiscing about Schenn’s leadership and contributions to the Blues’ past seasons.
For a deeper dive into NHL trends and player stats, check out [NHL.com](https://www.nhl.com) for updated statistics and expert analysis.
