Brayden Schenn, a veteran NHL center with over 1,000 games played and more than 700 career points, joined the New York Islanders for his first practice with the team on Saturday. Schenn was acquired before the NHL Trade Deadline and expressed excitement about joining a new organization.
“I said this morning, I feel like a rookie again,” Schenn said. “Coming into a new group, a new team and a new system, that’s the challenge I’m faced with and I’m looking forward to it. It feels good to turn the page after yesterday, get to the rink and play hockey.”
Islanders players welcomed Schenn’s arrival. JG Pageau commented on Schenn’s playing style: “He’s an excellent two-way center that can play both sides of the puck,” Pageau said. “He’s got a scoring touch, he’s got some grit, he’s good in the face-off circle and he competes.” Pageau also noted their history as opponents: “Everyone knows when you play against him, he’s a pain in the ass,” Pageau said. “There’s not a faceoff he’ll let you win for fun. He’s battling, hard to read. He switches up his tendencies, which makes it hard.”
Schenn has recorded eight seasons with at least 50 points and currently ranks 27th in NHL faceoff win percentage among players who have taken at least 500 draws this season (54.2%). His presence is expected to provide leadership for younger teammates such as Cal Ritchie.
“I’m really excited,” Ritchie said of Schenn joining the team. “Obviously, he’s such a great player who has been league for such a long time. Playing with him and Palat, it’ll be really good for me to learn from two veteran guys that know a lot about the game.” Ritchie described their early interactions positively: “He came up to me right away on the ice today and just asked me what my style of play is like,” Ritchie said. “He said he played against me that one time just wanted to know what I like and what my tendencies are on the ice. It seems like a really good fit so far.”
Schenn plans to keep things simple as he adjusts: “I’m going to keep it simple,” Schenn said. “New system, new linemates. The more simple you are, working hard and playing your game, the better off you are. As time goes on, I’ll feel more comfortable.”
General Manager Mathieu Darche highlighted Schenn’s toughness as an important factor in acquiring him while Head Coach Patrick Roy emphasized his experience: “It’s exciting to have Schenn,” Roy said. “I really think he’s going to help us a lot. He brings that experience to our lineup, he was a captain, a great leader. I see only positive.”
Schenn already has connections within the Islanders organization through friendships with former players Thomas Hickey, Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin as well as previous international tournament experience alongside Bo Horvat, Mathew Barzal, JG Pageau and Ryan Pulock.
“I know that community and what living on Long Island does to those guys and it’s obviously a special place,” Schenn said. “I’ve played with some of these guys at World Championships before, and when you play with those Islanders guys, you just always know they’re first class.”
