The NHL trade market is starting to simmer, and one name that’s beginning to draw real attention is St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn.
With the deadline under two months away and the Olympic roster freeze looming, front offices across the league are shifting into high gear. And right now, the Vegas Golden Knights are reportedly eyeing Schenn as a potential solution to a key roster need.
Vegas just made a splash by acquiring Rasmus Andersson, widely considered one of the top trade chips available this season. The price?
Defenseman Zach Whitecloud, prospect Abram Wiebe, a 2027 first-round pick, and a conditional 2028 second-rounder that could escalate into another first. That’s a significant haul, but the Golden Knights may not be done yet.
The next target? Brayden Schenn.
At 34, Schenn isn’t the flashiest name on the board, but he brings something teams covet down the stretch: veteran leadership, playoff experience, and a reliable two-way game. He’s the kind of center who can slot into a second or third line and give you quality minutes at both ends of the ice. That versatility is especially valuable for a team like Vegas, which is currently navigating injury concerns down the middle.
William Karlsson remains on long-term injured reserve with no clear timetable for return, and Schenn could be a natural fit to step into that role. Financially, the move would be tight - Schenn carries a cap hit just $600,000 higher than Karlsson - but manageable with some maneuvering.
Vegas has about $3.8 million in cap space at the moment, though that’s expected to shrink when Brayden McNabb’s $3.65 million comes off LTIR. To make the math work, they’d likely need to move a depth forward in the $2-3 million range.
Schenn’s production this season hasn’t been eye-popping - nine goals and 19 points through 49 games - but the appeal goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s under contract for two more seasons, and that kind of term has value, especially for a team like Vegas that tends to think beyond just the current playoff push. They’ve shown a preference for acquiring players with term, and Schenn fits that mold.
Of course, Vegas isn’t the only team in the mix. The Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Capitals are also reportedly keeping tabs on the Blues captain. All of them could use a steady veteran presence as they look to solidify their rosters heading into the final stretch.
There’s also a potential family angle here. Schenn’s brother, Luke, is also in trade conversations and currently playing for another Central Division team that’s underperforming. Some around the league are wondering if a reunion could be on the table, especially with both brothers potentially on the move.
For now, Brayden Schenn remains in St. Louis - but with the deadline approaching and contenders circling, that could change quickly.
The Golden Knights have already shown they’re willing to pay the price to upgrade. If they believe Schenn can help them weather the storm at center and make another deep playoff run, don’t be surprised if they make another aggressive move.