Islanders Capitalize on Hotel Meeting to Secure Brayden Schenn Trade

New York's in-person pitch convinced the Blues forward to waive his no-trade clause.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The New York Islanders were able to complete a trade for St. Louis Blues forward Brayden Schenn after the two teams happened to be staying in the same hotel. The Islanders took advantage of this opportunity and requested an in-person meeting with Schenn, who had a no-trade clause. In that meeting, the Islanders were able to convince Schenn to waive his no-trade clause, allowing the deal to go through.

Why it matters

Acquiring Schenn, a skilled two-way forward with playoff experience, could be a crucial addition for the Islanders as they look to make a deep postseason run. The ability to meet with Schenn face-to-face gave the Islanders a unique advantage in securing the trade.

The details

The Islanders and Blues were both staying at the same hotel when the trade discussions were taking place. Normally, Schenn's no-trade clause would have been a significant obstacle, but the Islanders requested and were granted an in-person meeting with him. It was during this meeting that the Islanders were able to convince Schenn to waive his no-trade clause, allowing the deal to be finalized.

  • The trade discussions took place on Friday, March 8, 2026.

The players

Brayden Schenn

A skilled two-way forward for the St. Louis Blues who has a no-trade clause.

New York Islanders

The NHL team that acquired Brayden Schenn in a trade with the St. Louis Blues.

St. Louis Blues

The NHL team that traded Brayden Schenn to the New York Islanders.

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What they’re saying

“It was in that meeting that they convinced Schenn to say yes, and that was the final thing that got that deal over the line.”

— Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet Analyst (Sportsnet)

What’s next

The Islanders will look to integrate Brayden Schenn into their lineup as they push for a deep playoff run.

The takeaway

The Islanders' ability to meet with Brayden Schenn in person while both teams were staying at the same hotel gave them a unique advantage in convincing him to waive his no-trade clause, ultimately allowing the trade to be completed.