TSN's Darren Dreger suggests that Luke Schenn could return to Maple Leafs at bargain price
Photo credit: David Gonzales Imagn Images
With Chris Tanev dealing with a significant injury, there is talk from TSN's Darren Dreger that Luke Schenn is an option to return to the Leafs at a bargain price.
Drafted fifth overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Luke Schenn was never the fastest or most offensively gifted defenseman, but has always been a steady, reliable and smart defenseman with a physical edge that few can match.
After a decade away from Toronto, the Leafs re-acquired the now 36-year-old ahead of the 2023 trade deadline and had hoped to re-sign him before the Predators swooped in with an offer he couldn't refuse.
Leafs Eyeing Schenn For Low Acquisition Cost?
In the final year of the three-year deal he signed with the Predators, TSN's Darren Dreger was on 'OverDrive' on Thursday where he suggested the Leafs may look at reuniting with Schenn again, due in large to the low acquisition cost.
"If the Toronto Maple Leafs wanted to reunite with Luke Schenn, they would get him for a lower-end draft pick," shared Dreger. "He was never quick -- he's slower now, but he's still a simple, smart defenseman."
Dreger noted that Treliving and the Leafs should be aiming at a higher calibre defenseman, but they don't necessarily have the assets to acquire one.
While they do have Easton Cowan and Ben Danford available to make a larger splash, Dreger was quick to point out that just maybe this year's team isn't good enough to 'waste those assets'.
Schenn Open to a Change of Scenery
According to a recent report from The Fourth Period's Dave Pagnotta, Schenn has not requested a trade out of Winnipeg, but is open to a change of scenery and wants to play for a contender.
Schenn isn't the puck-moving defenseman the Leafs are reportedly seeking, but he does bring almost all of the elements the lineup currently lacks without Chris Tanev.
They wouldn't have to play him an exuberant amount of minutes each night -- although he was excellent with Morgan Rielly in 2023 -- but he would give the Leafs someone to perhaps stabilize the third pair so that it isn't as much of a liability for Craig Berube.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 9 | 532 ANSWERS TSN's Darren Dreger suggests that Luke Schenn could return to Maple Leafs at bargain price Should the Leafs consider bringing back Luke Schenn? | ||
| Yes | 193 | 36.3 % |
| No | 240 | 45.1 % |
| Maybe, if Tanev is ruled out until next season | 99 | 18.6 % |
| List of polls | ||