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Jonathan Drouin Reflects on Time with Islanders After Trade to Blues
The forward says he enjoyed his brief stint with the Islanders despite scoring struggles.
Mar. 11, 2026 at 7:42am
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Jonathan Drouin, the newest member of the St. Louis Blues, spoke fondly of his time with the New York Islanders after being traded as part of the deal that brought Brayden Schenn to the Islanders. Drouin said he had a good start to the season with the Islanders and enjoyed the tight-knit group, though he struggled with scoring for much of his time there. He noted the transition to the Blues has been smooth, with the team and staff welcoming him well.
Why it matters
Drouin's comments provide insight into the player dynamics and team chemistry of the surprising Islanders squad, who have exceeded expectations this season. The trade also highlights the complex nature of NHL transactions, with Drouin and Schenn, the two players swapped, having an unusual amount of interaction due to the timing of the deal.
The details
Drouin was included in the trade to the Islanders largely to help offset the salary cap impact of Schenn's $6.5 million contract. Though Drouin had maintained a top-six role all season, he was struggling mightily with scoring, going nearly half the season without a goal before the trade. However, Drouin broke that drought in his first game with the Blues, suggesting the change of scenery may have helped him regain his form.
- Drouin was traded to the Islanders in mid-season.
- Drouin last scored a goal in mid-November, nearly half the season ago.
The players
Jonathan Drouin
A forward who was recently traded from the New York Islanders to the St. Louis Blues.
Brayden Schenn
A forward who was traded from the St. Louis Blues to the New York Islanders as part of the deal that sent Drouin to the Blues.
Mathieu Darche
The general manager of the New York Islanders.
Patrick Roy
A member of the Islanders' coaching staff.
What they’re saying
“It kind of sucks. Had a good start to the season, obviously, was producing, helping the team. Kind of hit a wall there a little bit. But only good things to say from management, [Mathieu Darche], [Patrick Roy], all the players, it was awesome. It's a great group there.”
— Jonathan Drouin, Forward
“It's a very bizarre situation where that doesn't happen to guys 99 percent of the time. We're just the two guys caught in the middle of it right now. Guys speak extremely highly of him in the locker room here in New York. I know he wasn't here that long, but just left an impact on his teammates of how he was as a guy.”
— Brayden Schenn, Forward
What’s next
The Blues and Islanders will face off again on March 15, giving Drouin another chance to play against his former teammates.
The takeaway
Despite his scoring struggles, Drouin's comments highlight the positive culture and team chemistry that has helped the Islanders exceed expectations this season. The unique circumstances of the trade between Drouin and Schenn also illustrate the human element of NHL transactions, with the two players developing an unexpected connection.
