The New York Islanders approached the trade deadline with a clear goal in mind. The team wanted to add experience before the final stretch of the season. A major deal soon followed and brought a familiar NHL name to Long Island. The move drew attention across the league and even earned praise from one of hockey’s greatest players.
Wayne Gretzky Backs Islanders’ Brayden Schenn Trade on NHL on TNT
The Islanders strengthened their roster by acquiring veteran center Brayden Schenn from the St. Louis Blues before the trade deadline.
The move ended Schenn’s nine-season run in St. Louis, where he played a major role in the franchise’s success. He helped the team win the Stanley Cup in 2019.
Schenn remains under contract through the 2027-28 season as part of an eight-year, $52 million deal that pays him an average of $6.5 million per year.
Soon after the deal became public, Wayne Gretzky spoke about Schenn during an appearance on NHL on TNT. Gretzky shared that he reached out to Schenn on the day the trade discussions were happening.
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“Yeah, I did. And same as you guys, we didn’t have rookie laps when I played either. I talked to him in the morning. I called him and said, Listen, I got traded with a family. I know he’s got a young family. He’s got an eight-week-old. And I said, if you want some advice, I can give you some advice both ways,” Gretzky said.
During that conversation, Gretzky said Schenn had already decided to move forward with the trade. The veteran center chose to waive his no-trade clause so the deal could be completed.
“And he said, I already waived my no trade. I’m going to the Island,” Gretzky said.
Gretzky spoke highly of Schenn while discussing the move and explained why he believes the veteran center will fit well in New York.
“So yeah, you know what? He’s such a wonderful young man. And St. Louis is going to miss him. But you know, I lived in St. Louis. And the chatter in St. Louis in September was so extreme, so high. And there was so much positive talk about that hockey club. And it didn’t go their way this year. And they had to make some moves and make some changes,” Gretzky said.
He also shared his thoughts on how Schenn could adjust to the Islanders and their system under head coach Patrick Roy.
“And you know, Brayden is such a wonderful young man. He’s a pure NHL hockey player and just a tremendous guy. So I know he’s going to be a nice fit for the Islanders. He’s going to love playing for Patrick Roy. He’s going to be the perfect fit for that team,” Gretzky said.
Brayden Schenn Returns to St. Louis for Tribute
Schenn’s first week with the Islanders also included an emotional moment. On Tuesday, he returned to St. Louis as a visiting player when the Islanders faced the Blues.
During the game, the Blues honored him with a tribute video that recognized his time with the franchise. Schenn appeared in 650 games for St. Louis and recorded 465 points, which places him among the top scorers in team history.
The veteran center spoke openly about the trade after leaving St. Louis and explained how situations like this are part of professional hockey.
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“At some point, the organization doesn’t see you as part of the picture, and other teams want you, and it’s good to be wanted. They’re going in a different direction, and that’s the reality of it,” he said.
The Islanders now continue their push in the Metropolitan Division as they prepare for the final weeks of the regular season. With Schenn joining the lineup and Gretzky backing the move, the trade has become one of the most talked-about decisions made by the team before the deadline.
