Islanders Trade for Blues Defenseman Scott Perunovich to Bolster Injured Roster

The Islanders acquire Scott Perunovich for a conditional 2026 fifth-round pick as injuries sideline key players Ryan Pulock and Marcus Hogberg.

The New York Islanders traded a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft to the St. Louis Blues for defenseman Scott Perunovich.
The move addresses the Islanders' depleted defensive lineup following injuries to Ryan Pulock and Noah Dobson, both of whom are out indefinitely.
Scott Perunovich, a 26-year-old defenseman, has six points in 24 games this season and previously won the Hobey Baker Award in 2020 as the top NCAA player.
General Manager Lou Lamoriello's recent acquisitions, including Tony DeAngelo, suggest the team remains focused on playoff contention despite being six points out of a wild-card spot.
The Islanders also called up goalie Jakub Skarek on an emergency basis to cover for injured goaltenders Marcus Hogberg and Semyon Varlamov.