With their work visas sorted, defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tanner Pearson are ready to bolster the Buffalo Sabres. Acquired from the Winnipeg Jets, the duo hit the ice with their new team for the first time Thursday morning, poised to contribute as seasoned depth players.
Schenn, 36, and Pearson, 33, bring nearly 2,000 combined NHL games of experience. Buffalo is Schenn’s 10th NHL stop and Pearson’s seventh, and remarkably, they've been teammates with four different teams: Los Angeles, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and now Buffalo.
"We can’t seem to shake each other," Schenn quipped.
Players across the league, including Schenn and Pearson, have noticed the Sabres' rise to the top of the Atlantic Division over the past few months. Now, they’re eager to join the action.
“We played here earlier with the Jets,” Schenn recalled. “We left that game thinking, ‘This team is too good to be where they are.
They’ve got the skill, speed, and size you need to succeed.’ We’re excited to contribute and be part of this journey.”
Here are some insights from Schenn’s and Pearson’s introductory press conferences.
Luke Schenn: A Veteran Presence
With 18 NHL seasons under his belt, Schenn has played in 1,118 regular-season games and 58 playoff matchups, including winning Stanley Cups with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021. Having been traded seven times, Schenn is no stranger to adapting to new environments, even if it means acknowledging his veteran status.
“My wife joked that you know you’re getting old in this league when you go from being welcomed by Shane Doan and his wife to Josh and his girlfriend,” he shared.
Schenn’s game has remained steady since 2008. Known for his physical play and reliability in the defensive zone, he’s racked up 139 hits and 54 shot blocks in 46 games this season, averaging 13:44 of ice time. He’s expected to see third-pair duties with the Sabres, adding depth behind an impressive top four.
“I might be biased, but size is crucial,” Schenn noted. “Teams that win have a big D corps. I’m a fan of this group and excited to contribute.”
Tanner Pearson: A Versatile Forward
Pearson, from Kitchener, Ontario, remembers the electric atmosphere at KeyBank Center from his childhood.
“It’s a sports town that loves its teams,” he said. “Seeing what we’re doing now is energizing, and everyone’s enjoying it.”
Pearson’s career began with immediate success, winning a Stanley Cup with the Kings in his rookie season. Now, as an experienced player, he’s ready to guide the young Sabres through their playoff journey.
Initially a top-six forward, Pearson has adapted to a bottom-six role following a hand injury. His focus remains on playing a responsible game, a skill honed during his time with the defensively-minded Kings.
“To last in this league, you have to evolve,” he said. “I’ve learned to embrace my role, and any scoring is a bonus.”
The Sabres, deep and skilled at forward, will look to Pearson for his defensive prowess, welcoming any offensive contributions he can provide.