What Happened
On Tuesday, the New York Islanders announced the acquisition of forward Matt Luff from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for forward Julien Gauthier. Both players were on AHL assignments at the time of the trade, allowing them to report to their new affiliates without needing to re-clear waivers. The trade comes ahead of the NHL trade deadline set for March 6 at 3 p.m. ET.
Why It Matters
Julien Gauthier, a former first-round pick of the Carolina Hurricanes in 2016, has had a limited presence in the NHL this season, having not yet appeared in a game for the Islanders. He has, however, shown potential in the AHL, recording five goals and seven points in 14 games for the Bridgeport Islanders this season. The trade allows Gauthier a fresh start with the Islanders, who may benefit from his AHL production capabilities.
What’s Next
As both players transition to their new teams, Gauthier will look to make an impact in the AHL and potentially earn a call-up to the NHL. Meanwhile, Luff, who has played a limited role in St. Louis, will join the Bridgeport Islanders, where he is expected to become a key player in their lineup. The trade reflects the ongoing adjustments teams are making as they prepare for the upcoming trade deadline.
