The New York Islanders have made a significant trade, acquiring forward Matt Luff from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Julien Gauthier. The announcement was made on Tuesday morning.
Trade Details
- Trade Date: February 24, 2026
- Teams Involved: New York Islanders and St. Louis Blues
- Players Involved:
- Matt Luff (to Islanders)
- Julien Gauthier (to Blues)
Player Profiles
- Matt Luff:
- Age: 28
- NHL Games This Season: 5 (1 goal)
- AHL Performance: 39 points (14 goals, 25 assists) in 42 games with Springfield Thunderbirds
- Previous NHL Teams: Includes the Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues
- Julien Gauthier:
- Age: 28
- NHL Games This Season: 0 (played one game for Isles last season)
- AHL Performance: 7 points (5 goals) in 14 games with Bridgeport Islanders
- Drafted: First-round by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2016
- Previous NHL Teams: Includes Carolina Hurricanes, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, and New York Islanders
Impact on Teams
With this trade, the Islanders aim to enhance their roster depth and offensive capabilities. Luff’s performance in the AHL suggests he can contribute significantly to the team. Gauthier, while a former first-round pick, has struggled to find his footing in the NHL this season.
This trade highlights the ongoing strategy of both franchises to adjust their lineups as the season progresses. Fans will be watching closely to see how these players perform in their new environments.
