Monday: The Lightning have officially announced the deal, adding Schenn at the expected bargain rate of $700K for one year. Schenn may end up being a fantastic value for Tampa Bay this season on a new look blue line.
Sunday: When Luke Schenn arrived in Vancouver late in the 2018-19 season it looked as though he might soon be pushed out of the league entirely. After surprising down the stretch though a market has materialized for his services and now he could be joining a Stanley Cup contender. Frank Seravalli of TSN reports that Schenn is expected to sign a one-year contract worth around $700K when free agency opens on July 1.
Schenn, 29, ended up just cracking our list of the Top 50 UFAs despite his down year, mostly because of those final 18 games with the Canucks. He played a total of 26 last season counting the eight times he suited up with the Ducks, and his routine as a part-time player might continue in Tampa Bay. The Lightning don’t desperately need him to step right into a major role, but are likely losing Dan Girardi and Anton Stralman as veteran defensive options. Schenn doesn’t have much (if any) offensive upside, but can at least play a little in his own end and contribute a physical presence.
Even though his stock has crashed dramatically since being drafted fifth overall in 2008, Schenn still ranks fourth in games played among all players selected that year. Trailing just Drew Doughty, Josh Bailey and Steven Stamkos, he has figured out a way to stay relevant in a league that quickly moved to a different style of defense. Probably born an era too late, the 6’2″ bruising defenseman has suited up for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Arizona Coyotes, Ducks and Canucks.
WHY?
700k!
“Schenn, 29, ended up just cracking our list of the Top 50 UFAs” Gavin, is that because it was a struggle to get more than 49 UFAs?
Oh God no. Please say it aint so. This guy absolutely sucks. He’s a waste of stick and skates. Garbage. Hot Garbage. Pure garbage. An embarrassing move for the Bolts. This is going backwards. 6 straight playoff loses. Swept after a 62 win season. And now MamaLuke…ugh please no!!
I believe that Luke Schenn established himself as a solid role player for the rebuilding Canucks. He brought grit, tenacity, and toughness to the table for Vancouver, taking on the responsibility of being the team’s tough guy and stepping up to protect the roster’s young talent when it was needed. Schenn also took Quinn Hughes under his wing for the rookie’s first five games in the majors, acting as a calming influence both on the ice and on the bench in-between shifts. I believe that Luke Schenn will truly be a Hit with the #Bolts Fans in Tampa Bay as he was in Vancouver! The #Schenn-O-Meter was awesome to watch! The Bolts’ should have one up for the home games on the jumbotron next season! We could call him the #Schenninator. I truly believe that Schenn can play the role of a critical shutdown defenseman and that is crucial for the Tampa Bay Lightning’s aspirations of again lifting the Stanley Cup.