Islanders' 'world-class' draw lures Brayden Schenn to waive no-trade clause

Schaefer cites Islanders' elite defenseman as key factor in his decision to join the team.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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In the lead-up to the NHL draft, when Matthew Schaefer was asked about the Islanders, he typically mentioned the players he shared an agent with. However, Schaefer was ultimately enticed to join the Islanders due to the team's elite defenseman, who he believes is "taking the league by storm."

Why it matters

The Islanders' ability to attract top talent like Schaefer, despite not being a traditional hockey powerhouse, speaks to the team's growing reputation and competitiveness in the league. Schaefer's decision to waive his no-trade clause to join the Islanders suggests the team is building a roster that can compete at the highest level.

The details

Schaefer, a highly touted prospect, cited the Islanders' elite defenseman as a key factor in his decision to join the team, even though he had to waive his no-trade clause to do so. The Islanders have been steadily building a competitive roster, and Schaefer's choice to join the team suggests they are becoming an increasingly attractive destination for top NHL talent.

  • Schaefer was asked about the Islanders in the lead-up to the 2026 NHL draft.

The players

Matthew Schaefer

A highly touted NHL prospect who chose to join the Islanders, even though he had to waive his no-trade clause to do so.

Brayden Schenn

An elite defenseman for the Islanders who Schaefer cited as a key factor in his decision to join the team.

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What they’re saying

“What enticed me about this team, if you look, it's a franchise defenseman that's obviously taking the league by storm.”

— Matthew Schaefer (New York Post)

The takeaway

The Islanders' ability to attract top talent like Schaefer, despite not being a traditional hockey powerhouse, suggests the team is building a roster that can compete at the highest level of the NHL. Schaefer's decision to waive his no-trade clause to join the Islanders is a testament to the team's growing reputation and competitiveness.