Brayden Schenn Waives No-Trade Clause to Join Islanders

Schaefer's 'world-class' talent a key factor in Schenn's decision to come to New York

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Brayden Schenn, a veteran NHL player, has waived his 15-team no-trade clause to join the New York Islanders. Schenn cited the Islanders' young star defenseman Matthew Schaefer as a major reason for his decision, calling Schaefer 'world-class' and 'elite'. Schenn also mentioned his existing relationships with several Islanders players and the team's competitiveness as factors in his choice to come to Long Island.

Why it matters

The Islanders have long struggled to attract top free agent talent, but Schaefer's emergence as a superstar has changed that dynamic. Schenn's willingness to waive his no-trade clause to join the Islanders signals that the team's profile around the league is on the rise, which could help them land more high-profile players in the future.

The details

Schenn, who was previously with the St. Louis Blues, will slot in on the Islanders' second line between Cal Ritchie and Ondrej Palat. The Islanders acquired Schenn ahead of the trade deadline to add more size and physicality to their lineup. Schenn said he's looking forward to mentoring the 21-year-old Ritchie and helping the Islanders chase a playoff spot.

  • Schenn was traded to the Islanders on Friday, March 7, 2026.
  • Schenn will make his Islanders home debut against the Los Angeles Kings on Friday, March 14, 2026.
  • Schenn will face his former team, the St. Louis Blues, on Tuesday, March 12, 2026.

The players

Brayden Schenn

A veteran NHL player who has waived his 15-team no-trade clause to join the New York Islanders.

Matthew Schaefer

A young, elite defenseman for the New York Islanders who is considered a 'world-class' talent and a major reason Schenn wanted to come to Long Island.

Cal Ritchie

A 21-year-old Islanders forward who Schenn will look to mentor and help take some responsibility off of.

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What they’re saying

“He's world-class. He's elite. You hear a lot about him; you see his highlights. And I think you really learn what a guy's all about when you start playing with him. The guys in this room obviously speak very, very highly of him, how dynamic [he is]. We all know what he does as a player.”

— Brayden Schenn, New York Islanders Player (nypost.com)

“I think what guys say is how good of a person he is, how fun it is to be around him. When superstars in this league are good guys that take care of his teammates, guys are gonna want to be around him. And guys are only gonna want to come to the New York Islanders in the future just because of his talent and character.”

— Brayden Schenn, New York Islanders Player (nypost.com)

What’s next

Schenn will make his Islanders home debut against the Los Angeles Kings on Friday, March 14, 2026.

The takeaway

Brayden Schenn's decision to waive his no-trade clause and join the New York Islanders is a significant development for the franchise, as it signals that the team's profile around the league is on the rise thanks in large part to the emergence of star defenseman Matthew Schaefer. This could help the Islanders attract more high-profile talent in the future as they continue to build a contender.