Many believe the team needs a revamp, a culture shock, or something that will push this team over the edge starting in the 2023-24 NHL season.
With many pending UFA's and a few RFA's, on top of a possible switch up in their Core 4, the team has their work cut out for them this offseason.
Before making any final decisions, an organization always has their signing priorities (players they want to sign), and for the Leafs, it looks like defenseman Luke Schenn is one of them.
Per Elliott Friedman, it looks like the Leafs have communicated with the veteran defenseman that the team has a serious interest in bringing him back next season onward.
Schenn is coming off of a two-year $1,700,000 ($850,000 AAV) contract with the Vancouver Canucks that was signed back in 2021.
With his stellar play in the blue and white since being acquired at the trade deadline, Schenn has most likely earned a raise on his next contract.
The Leafs acquired him for his grit, physicality, and as a big moving defenseman for the playoffs. He found major success when pairing with defenseman Morgan Rielly and was the Leafs go-to pairing in the postseason.
His physical presence was shown on the scoresheet, as he was 2nd on the team in hits in the postseason following behind Noel Acciari.
Schenn has mentioned on numerous occasions his love for the city and the fanbase, stating that Toronto was another home to him and his family.
If the two parties can settle on a fair number, or even if Schenn takes a homers discount, it will be beneficial for the Leafs going forward making them that much more difficult to play against.
Credit Maple Leafs Daily: Leafs officially inform pending UFA that they want him back in Toronto next season; now it's about finding a number that works
POLL | ||
17 MAI | 261 ANSWERS Maple Leafs inform Luke Schenn of their future plans Will Luke Schenn resign with the Leafs this offseason? | ||
Yes, I think so | 233 | 89.3 % |
No, I don't think so | 28 | 10.7 % |
List of polls |