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Brayden Schenn ‘Got the Hint’ From Blues Ahead Trade to Islanders

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Mar 10, 2026 11:56 AM ET

When he was asked how he knew it was time to waive his no-trade clause and move on from St. Louis, center Brayden Schenn didn’t hold back on the feelings he got from the Blues organization on the way out. Noting that it seemed pretty evident he wasn’t part of their future plans, Schenn hinted that there are only so many times you can be asked to move on before you tell yourself that maybe it’s time to.

In speaking with the media that covers the Islanders, Schenn revealed: “Well, when (the Blues) ask you two times two years in a row, that’s when it makes sense.” He added, “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.”

And, Schenn was wanted. Elliotte Friedman said on Saturday during a segment on Sportsnet that GM Mathieu Darche and head coach Patrick Roy asked for a face-to-face with Schenn to convince him to come to the team. The Islanders and Blues were staying in the same hotel, so a meeting made sense . Friedman said a source joked, “There was no way Patrick Roy was letting Brayden Schenn get out of that room without saying yes.”

Blues Were Moving in a Different Direction

Clearly, that’s not the kind of feeling Schenn got over his last couple of seasons in St. Louis. The Blues have tried to remain competitive, but after another year of failing to make the playoffs, GM Doug Armstrong decided to sell. He’s the kind of GM who has threatened wholesale changes, which included Schenn, his team’s captain.

There are only so many times a player can be told he’s not a key part of what a team is doing before he decides it’s time to start fresh.

As For How Schenn Fits In with the Islanders

Brayden Schenn gives the New York Islanders a veteran, character presence who can add depth and edge to their forward group. While his offensive numbers aren’t at their peak this season, Schenn brings leadership, physicality, and playoff experience. He isn’t just a rental either, meaning the Islanders can integrate him into their culture long term.

With Ilya Sorokin anchoring the team in goal and Matthew Schaefer the new star of the team, Schenn could help make the Islanders tougher to play against. His physical style and leadership may also help create a more competitive, harder-to-play-against group as they push toward the playoffs.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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