Why the Scott Perunovich trade is great for the New York Islanders

The New York Islanders traded for Scott Perunovich by only giving up a conditional 5th-round in 2026. This is a very underrated trade by the blue and orange and here’s why.

Colorado Avalanche v New York Islanders
Colorado Avalanche v New York Islanders | Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

WIth multiple injuries on the blue line the New York Islanders acquired defenseman Scott Perunovich from the St. Louis Blues for a conditional 5th round pick in 2026. While the conditions on this pick haven’t been released I believe this is a good trade for the blue and orange. 

The first thought that went into my head was why are the Islanders trading draft picks away? They should be keeping their draft picks and making selections with them to restock the prospect pool.

A conditional 5th round pick isn’t a massive asset to give up especially for an NHL level defenseman. There are a lot of things to like about the former Hobey Baker winner. 

He can play both the left and right side on the blue line. This provides great depth for the squad if an injury happens. Another bright spot about Perunovich is that he is more offensive minded and is one of the smartest players in the NHL. He is known to be a great puck mover and is someone who could play on the powerplay which the Islanders desperately need. 

What stood out to me was the fact that he’s an RFA at the end of the season. This is a trade that could help the squad out now and in the future. I believe there is a very high chance that he will be on the team next season. 

The Islanders have multiple defensive pieces that will be UFAs next year like Mike Reilly, Tony DeAngelo, Dennis Cholowski, and Grant Hutton. All of whom may not return for next season. The Islanders have some security with Perunovich and he would be competing for the 6th or 7th defensive spot on the team. 

The Islanders have lacked true NHL defensive depth the last few seasons and have found themselves trading for depth defensemen because of that. Last season it was Robert Bortuzzo and this season it’s Perunovich and the signing of DeAngelo. 

To start the year Cholowski started the season as the seventh defenseman and he has had a solid season so far with 10 points in 29 games played. He has kept his role on the team and has earned and deserved it. 

Following Cholowski, when other injuries have popped up guys like Hutton and once promising Samuel Bolduc have been called upon. Hutton fared alright playing in 13 games, garnering 4 points and a +1 rating. Bolduc really struggled, only playing in one game with a time on ice of 5:56. 

After Bolduc got sent back down, rookie Isaiah George got his call-up and has been able to stick with the squad. In the 31 games the 20-year-old has 5 points but has shown improvement as the season has gone on.

Perunovich is 26 years old and was never really given a fair opportunity with the Blues. They have had a logjam on defense the last few years and he will be given a chance to prove himself on the New York Islanders.

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