The Vancouver Canucks are the latest team to start protecting assets before the trade deadline, as Luke Schenn will sit out tonight’s game against the Nashville Predators.
Schenn, 33, has been the subject of trade speculation for weeks, thanks to his unique mix of physicality, reasonable cost, and championship pedigree. He carries a cap hit of just $850K this season, leads the NHL in hits with 258, and recently won the Stanley Cup twice with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Any contender in the league could fit Schenn into their cap situation by moving a single player off the roster, and almost all of them are looking for defensive depth. At one point, a reunion with the Lightning was rumored, but recent reports had the Boston Bruins and Calgary Flames linked to him.
Just a few days ago, Schenn told the media that he expected to play every day until he was traded, meaning a move could be imminent if he’s being pulled from the lineup.
The right-shot defenseman has 21 points in 55 games this season, his highest total since 2011-12 and a pace that will easily have him set a new career-high by the end of the year. He won’t be going anywhere for his offense, but a three-assist game a few days ago only would have helped his profile around the league.
Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK TV was first to report the fact that Schenn would be scratched.
Let me guess the Leafs in on it..good for a 2nd rd pick..
Major overpayment for a depth defender
Actually fair when you know Savard and Chiarot both fetched a 1st round pick in the past
the Leafs should be in on him.
Holl and a 4th
Jets are considerably underrated when it comes to deadline deals – last year sellers, & previously buyers (stastny, Hayes)… I could see them go for Schenn or barbarov