Isles Acquire Brayden Schenn in Exchange of Jonathan Drouin and Picks

The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is here, and rookie general manager Mathieu Darche made a ruckus at the buzzer.

The Isles traded struggling forward Jonathan Drouin, Colorado’s 1st round pick this summer, a 3rd rounder, and goaltending prospect Marcus Gidlof in exchange for St. Louis Blues Captain, Brayden Schenn.

The Islanders found a new home for Drouin who has three goals on the season and couldn't find a fit with the Islanders. In Brayden Schenn, the Islanders get a dependable middle six center who can also play the wing. At 34, Schenn’s best days are well behind him, making the acquisition rather shocking one from that of Mathieu Darche.

Brayden Schenn has two years remaining on his contract carrying a cap hit of $6.5 million annually. At heart he is a 3rd line center-men, a role currently occupied with expiring UFA JG Pageau. Does this give a hint at Pageau’s future or is Schenn truly the piece that Darche wanted to spend top assets on?

The Isles will meet the Blues on Tuesday night.