Blues trade Andonovski to Penguins for Laferriere

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – The St. Louis Blues announced a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins on February 13, 2025, acquiring forward Corey Andonovski in exchange for forward Mathias Laferriere. The transaction is expected to strengthen both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.

Doug Armstrong, the Blues’ President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, confirmed that Andonovski, 25, will join the Blues’ AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds. This season, Andonovski has played 27 games for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, where he has recorded five points (three goals, two assists) and accumulated 15 penalty minutes.

In his AHL career, the Uxbridge, Ontario, native has played in 157 regular-season games, accumulating a total of 54 points (18 goals and 36 assists) and 182 penalty minutes. Armstrong noted the forward’s potential and skill during the announcement of the trade.

“Corey brings a combination of talent and grit to our organization, and we believe he will be a valuable asset in Springfield as he develops further,” Armstrong stated.

The Penguins also announced the acquisition of Laferriere, 24, who is set to report to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Laferriere’s contract extends through the 2024-25 season with an average annual value of $775,000. During the current season, he has played in 33 games with the Springfield Thunderbirds, amassing two goals, eight assists, and a total of 10 points.

“We are excited to add Mathias to our lineup,” said Kyle Dubas, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager for the Penguins. “His size and skill set will complement our team dynamic well, and we look forward to seeing his contribution.”

Laferriere has spent his entire AHL career with the Thunderbirds, achieving 70 points (21 goals, 49 assists) in 207 games. Originally drafted by the Blues in the sixth round (169th overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft, Laferriere has yet to make his NHL debut.

Before stepping into the AHL, Laferriere played five seasons in the QMJHL with Cape Breton and Blainville-Boisbriand, scoring 82 goals and 132 assists across 238 junior matches.

Meanwhile, Andonovski, who joined the Penguins as an undrafted free agent after attending Princeton University, has yet to appear in an NHL game. His AHL experience, alongside Laferriere’s, will both see players trying to make a case for future call-ups.

As the teams now prepare for their upcoming games, the trade serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of player movement within the league. Both players now have the opportunity to establish themselves at their new respective affiliates, with the hope of eventually breaking into the NHL.