Published: February 24, 2026 at 9:58AM EST – In a recent move, the New York Islanders have announced a trade sending forward Julien Gauthier to the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Matt Luff. This transaction aims to bolster both teams’ rosters as they navigate the remainder of the NHL season.
Islanders Acquire Matt Luff
The Islanders are adding a seasoned NHL player to their ranks with the acquisition of Matt Luff. The 28-year-old has demonstrated scoring ability, with one goal in five NHL games this season. He’s also been a dominant force in the AHL, currently boasting 14 goals and 25 assists for 39 points in 42 contests with the Springfield Thunderbirds. Luff brings a wealth of experience, having played parts of six NHL seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, and now, the New York Islanders.
Julien Gauthier Heads to St. Louis
Julien Gauthier, a former first-round pick (2016) by the Carolina Hurricanes, will now continue his career with the St. Louis Blues. While he hasn’t seen NHL action this season, he did appear in one game for the Islanders last season. This season, Gauthier has been contributing to the Bridgeport Islanders (AHL) with five goals and seven points in 14 games. The 28-year-old has a total of eight NHL seasons under his belt, previously playing for the Hurricanes, New York Rangers, and Ottawa Senators.
Trade Details & Implications
This trade represents a shift in strategy for both organizations. The Islanders are looking for immediate offensive impact, while the Blues may be seeking potential and future development with Gauthier. It’s a move that could have ripple effects as both teams push towards the playoffs. For more in-depth NHL coverage, visit NHL.com.
The trade was officially announced Tuesday morning and is effective immediately. Fans will be watching closely to see how Luff integrates into the Islanders’ lineup and how Gauthier performs with his new team.
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