As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the New York Islanders are among the teams looking to strengthen their roster. Currently sitting third in the Metropolitan Division, the Islanders are hoping to add offensive firepower to support a potential deep playoff run.
However, their pursuit of Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues may now be slipping away.
Islanders’ Pursuit of Jordan Kyrou Hitting Major Snag
Forward Kyrou is in the third year of his eight-year, $65 million contract and holds a full no-trade clause, meaning any deal would require his approval.
Kyrou has produced 33 points in 51 games this season. With St. Louis sitting at the bottom of the Central Division, the team has reportedly been evaluating ways to reshape its roster.
But according to NHL insider Stefen Rosner, negotiations between the two teams may be hitting a major roadblock.
If the #stlblues insist on D prospect Kashawn Aitcheson (2025, No. 17) in a potential Jordan Kyrou deal, I’m told that likely takes the #Isles out of the mix.
— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) March 6, 2026
Rosner reported that the deal could fall apart if the Blues insist on one of the Islanders’ 2025 defensive prospects as part of the return. If the Blues insist on Aitcheson in a potential Kyrou deal, that likely takes the Islanders out of the mix, according to Rosner’s reporting on X.
Aitcheson’s Rapid Development a Sticking Point
The prospect in question is Aitcheson, who has been one of the most exciting young defensemen in junior hockey. Currently playing for the Barrie Colts in the Ontario Hockey League, Aitcheson has recorded 63 points in 48 games this season.
He was named the OHL’s Defenseman of the Month for February for the second consecutive time and set the franchise’s all-time record for points by a defenseman. Given his rapid development, Islanders management appears hesitant to include him in a trade package.
Another young prospect, Victor Eklund, selected 16th overall by the Islanders in the 2025 NHL Draft, is also believed to be an asset the team would prefer to keep.
With the Islanders reluctant to part with their 2025 first-round picks, negotiations have stalled.
Robert Thomas Also Drawing Interest From New York
Kyrou isn’t the only Blues player drawing interest from New York. The Islanders have also explored the possibility of acquiring center Robert Thomas.
Thomas, like Kyrou, is under a long-term contract, an eight-year, $65 million deal, and carries a full no-trade clause. He has recorded 37 points in 44 games this season and would represent a significant addition to the Islanders’ offense.
Still, acquiring a player of that caliber would likely require an even steeper return, and multiple teams are believed to be monitoring the situation.
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With the deadline approaching quickly, it remains to be seen whether the Islanders can find common ground with the Blues.
