The newest member of the Nashville Predators defensive corps is Luke Schenn, and he comes with more than a few questions after his offseason signing.
After toiling around the league on one year contracts for three years, Schenn has cashed in on a three-year deal worth a total of $8.25 million. A strong performance last season with the Vancouver Canucks lead to a trade deadline move to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
After helping them dethrone the Tampa Bay Lightning and earning quality playoff minutes Schenn became a surprising commodity on the free agent market. The Predators signed him quickly and gave their defense core Stanley Cup playoff experience and grit.
So why does Schenn need a solid showing at Nashville Predators training camp? He has to now live up to his long term deal after nearly flaming out of the league. Not many former first round picks end up in the AHL on three separate occasions in his career. Schenn has fought (figuratively and literally) to stay up in the NHL and it has paid off.
2022-2023 Season In Review for Schenn
Schenn was 11th on the Canucks in scoring last year, which is more impressive than it sounds.
Schenn’s career high in points is 22 in 82 games (10-11 and 11-12 with Toronto) but somehow managed 21 points in 55 games. He tied his high by adding one more point over the course of his time back with Toronto post trade but he was in a reduced role, providing more sandpaper and defense than anything else.
The playoffs were very good for Schenn, and marked with some big time physical hits and battles with the best and biggest the Lightning had to offer.
While Schenn is not the best fighter, he is the a tough customer and will be physical night in and night out. He’ll answer any and every bell, and he’s strong as an ox.
Schenn led the NHL in hits with 318 in 2022-23, with Predators defensive teammate Jeremy Lauzon coming in 9th with 250 hits.
At 6’2″, 225 pounds and with a veteran’s understanding of how the game is played, Schenn has put together a late career resurgence. Now that he’s playing better than the average bottom pair guy, and without the weight of big contract 1st round pick.
2023-2024 Season Preview with Nashville Predators
Now a vet like Schenn knows what the Nashville Predators want him to bring to the table, and he has his own expectations. With a long term deal perhaps he’ll have some security and take an extra risk or two. It seems like the Predators are going to be able to put a veteran on every one of their defensive pairs.
Between Roman Josi, Ryan McDonagh, Tyson Barrie, and now Schenn, the Predators have an excellent veteran core. It might even shape up to be a top-4. Schenn’s play on the ice will be reletively predictable, but he adds experience that can’t be matched in most cases.
Like Dante Fabbro, he’s a former first round pick. Both he and Alexandre Carrier have spent a fair share of time in the AHL.
Jeremy Lauzon and Schenn both play much better when they are bringing a physical element during the game. He has a unique aspect of his game or his career that he can provide to each of them on and off the ice.
Schenn is going to be one of the important players outside of the main leadership core. The kind of player who models what it is like to be a pro in the league at all time.
From standing up for teammates to executing the smaller nuances of being an NHL defenseman, Schenn will be a great example for the Predators young defenders, and for young hockey fans in the area starting to just watch the game. Look for him to pay dividends on and off the ice this season.