One of the names that have been floating around in trade speculation for weeks now is Vancouver Canucks defenseman Luke Schenn. The tough, experienced defender would be a good fit on several clubs, in part due to his extremely reasonable cap hit of $850K.
Today, David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that things are “getting close” on Schenn, and notes that the Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins are still in the mix to acquire the veteran. The Tampa Bay Lightning, meanwhile, who have been linked most often to Schenn thanks to their history together, are out, according to Pagnotta.
If the reported price tag of a third-round (or more) is correct, you can see why the Lightning might decide to pull out of the running. The club doesn’t have much ammunition to make trades this year after sending multiple first-round picks away, and probably doesn’t want to use their highest selection this year on a player that would see limited minutes in the postseason.
Of course, things could certainly change. Depending on how long these negotiations go and how many other pieces are moved in the meantime, new contenders might emerge for Schenn’s services. Even if he isn’t going to make a huge impact, getting a two-time Stanley Cup champion for $850K is certainly an intriguing option for many contenders.
St Louis should get him. Playing with his brother might help both of them. The Blues need some toughness. Can’t hurt.
… and do what with him? Schenn’s a aging third-pairing guy on an expiring contract, so it’s not as if he’s going to move the needle much, and it’s not as if he’s guaranteed to be around next year. And St. Louis is FAR out of playoff contention — it’d take a miracle to make it, only so they can get beaten down in the first round. Dealing so much as a used skate bag for him would be nonsense for the Blues.
Banging the drum for a Schenn & Boeser trade to the Devils. Add physicality, championship pedigree (won alongside this offseason’s addition of Palat), and scoring depth on wing…possibly on Hughes’ wing. What would they have to offer? 2023 2nd, Kevin Bahl & Jesper Boqvist (both former 2nd rd picks who need to clear waiver next year), and Andreas Johnsson (to make the money work). Maybe add a 2024 2nd for Vancouver to retain 33% of Boeser’s salary?
You have to offer more than that but it’s a good read on what the Devils need.
I think its gonna take a first to get Boeser. Canes are in on him too likely.
And only a first if there’s no salary retention. Boeser’s not going to be the superstar people thought he’d be, but he’s a perfectly serviceable top-six guy who doesn’t have a particularly gruesome cap hit for his production, and there’s two more seasons of team control there. Teams have offered more for less, and if I were dealing Boeser, I wouldn’t accept as little as a low round 1st for him.
Why would Boston want Schenn when they have Stralman and Reilly? Both are better than Schenn. I realize Schenn is a friendly cap hit but what does he really bring to Boston? Toughness? Know one is afraid of him, He’s not a threat to score, He’s not a puck carrier.
I think the answer is cheap insurance. If you lose a D-man or two between now and June (a distinct possibility for any team) it’s nice to have someone like Schenn available. The number of available guys with that ability, at that cap-hit is pretty small.
As someone who watches the Canucks (I know, why?), Schenn is having a solid year. You baselessly say no one is afraid of him but he leads the league in hits (fwiw), so he’s definitely got a presence out there guys are aware of. He’s also having one of his best offensive seasons, and truly does provide some solid defence and meanness. At worst a very solid depth piece.
Fantasy hockey’s sneakiest star player.