Scott Perunovich has been traded from the St. Louis Blues to the New York Islanders for a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The 26-year-old defenseman is expected to make his debut against the Colorado Avalanche at UBS Arena. He has recorded six points in 24 games this season, and his move comes at a critical time as the Islanders cope with injuries to key players, including Ryan Pulock and Marcus Hogberg, who will be sidelined indefinitely.

Perunovich's trade follows a series of injuries that have plagued the Islanders, forcing them to seek immediate reinforcements. Coach Patrick Roy acknowledged the impact of the losses, noting that while it's tough to lose players performing well, it also presents opportunities for others to step up. This sentiment was echoed by forward Mathew Barzal, who emphasized the need for the team to rally together despite the ongoing injuries.

Perunovich's career has seen him accumulate 29 points with the Blues, and he won the 2020 Hobey Baker Award. His addition to the Islanders is seen as a strategic move to bolster their defense amidst current challenges.