What Happened
The St. Louis Blues have traded forward Matt Luff to the New York Islanders in exchange for forward Julien Gauthier. This trade marks the first transaction following the roster freeze, as both players have a $775,000 average annual value (AAV).
Why It Matters
Matt Luff has been a standout player for the Springfield Thunderbirds, leading the team in scoring with 39 points (14 goals, 25 assists) in 42 games during the current AHL season. His performance earned him a spot as Springfield’s representative at the AHL All-Star Classic. In contrast, Julien Gauthier has recorded five goals and two assists in 14 games for the AHL’s Bridgeport Islanders this season. The trade reflects the teams’ strategies to bolster their rosters with players who have shown potential in the AHL.
What’s Next
Following this trade, Luff will look to continue his scoring success with the Islanders, while Gauthier aims to make an impact with the Blues. Both players will be expected to contribute to their new teams as the season progresses.
