Luke Schenn responds to the Maple Leafs links and talks about a potential return
Photo credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Winnipeg Jets defenseman Luke Schenn responded to trade rumors regarding him and the Maple Leafs and sounded like he was more than happy to return once again.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs looking to make a deal for a defenseman given Chris Tanev's injury, they have been linked to several trade targets this season including Rasmus Andersson and Dougie Hamilton.
But another name who has popped up recently is Luke Schenn, who would be on his third stint with Toronto if he were traded back. He wouldn't cost nearly as much as the others and Schenn has proven to be successful in the past.
We haven't heard how Schenn feels about his name being thrown around however now we finally have some clarity.
Luke Schenn enjoys playing in Toronto as name continues in trade talks
Schenn was speaking to Leafs Morning Take and was pressed on his name being tossed about in trade talks with Toronto and the atmosphere in the city, and the defenseman not only seemed perfectly fine with the idea -- but also admits he loves to play there:
It's such a passionate fanbase which is awesome. I mean I've taken my lumps there from fans and the media, but on the other side of it; the love they show you and it's the best feeling in the world.
I look at it this way. When people care this much? That's what you want.
I look at it this way. When people care this much? That's what you want.
Schenn was drafted originally in 2008 and spent a handful of seasons before being traded to Philadelphia. He bounced around the league and managed to find himself as part of the Winnipeg Jets this year.
He's not the flashiest player and you know what you're getting with him, but his effectiveness can't go ignored.
Schenn, 36, has five points in 32 games this season, but is very much doing his usual work. He has 39 blocks and 96 hits and a minus-four in only 13:43 TOI; playing in his 1,100th career game as well.
Why Toronto should entertain a cheap deal for Luke Schenn
For the Maple Leafs, they have a great track record when it comes to at least using Schenn as playoff push insurance. Schenn stabilized Morgan Rielly and was key in making sure he wasn't caught off guard too often.
Adding him into the mix as a replacement for Chris Tanev is a perfectly suitable option and wouldn't cost the team more than a mid-to-late draft pick, so they save a ton of assets and money there.
If Toronto can get 30-35 games of solid and responsible defense out of Schenn while also protecting Rielly at times? That's a huge boost to a team that desperately needs another shutdown defender.
While a puck-moving defender would be great for the team, if they can't stop goals from going in then they have a much bigger issue.
So if Luke Schenn is a cheap alternative to Chris Tanev, then the Maple Leafs have to be on that sooner than later. Plus, it could be a critical piece in bringing in another big name with a very close connection to Schenn as well.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 17|1368 ANSWERS Luke Schenn responds to the Maple Leafs links and talks about a potential return Should Toronto go after Luke Schenn or someone else? | ||
| Bring back Schenn! | 764 | 55.8 % |
| Someone else please! | 604 | 44.2 % |
| List of polls | ||