Why a Reunion Between Luke Schenn and the Maple Leafs Could Be in the Cards
With a banged up blueline for the Maple Leafs, coupled with a struggling Predators team, a reunion for Luke Schenn and the Leafs could make a lot of sense.
The Toronto Maple Leafs continue to roll, following an impressive 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks, improving their record to 15-7-2 and padding their lead in the Atlantic Division.
However, despite their success, the Maple Leafs must closely monitor how they maintain their depth as injuries continue to take a toll. The defense corps is looking thin after Jani Hakanpaa was placed on IR and Jake McCabe is also day to day with an injury, and was forced to miss the Blackhawks game.
One potential solution for the Leafs could be former Maple Leaf Luke Schenn, a veteran who has already fit seamlessly alongside Morgan Rielly in the past.
Schenn has already had two stints with the Maple Leafs. He was drafted by Toronto in 2008, and more recently, was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in 2022-23, where he quickly found chemistry with Rielly on the top defensive pairing. However, Schenn chose to move on this offseason, signing a three-year, $2.75 million contract with the Nashville Predators.
Given Nashville's disappointing season so far, they may look to shed some cap space and make changes. Schenn, known for his physical play, could be the perfect type of player for a team looking to add grit and toughness. Schenn is currently tied for third in the league in hits.
Schenn is a masterful hitter, known for his powerful physicality. He'd fit well under Craig Berube, who coached his brother, Brayden Schenn, in St. Louis.
With the Maple Leafs continuing to navigate this injury-riddled stretch, it wouldn't be surprising to see them make a move to strengthen their depth.
Whether or not they pursue Schenn, he would be an ideal fit, thanks to his playing style, experience, and longstanding connection to Toronto.
