Luke Schenn Open to Leafs Reunion as Toronto Eyes Defensive Depth
As the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to navigate a blue line thinned by injury, veteran defenseman Luke Schenn’s name has resurfaced in trade chatter - and he’s not shying away from it. In fact, if the Leafs come calling, Schenn sounds more than ready to answer.
With Chris Tanev sidelined, Toronto is exploring options to reinforce the back end. Big names like Rasmus Andersson and Dougie Hamilton have been floated, but those types of deals come with a hefty price tag. Schenn, on the other hand, offers a more cost-effective option - and one the Leafs know well.
This wouldn’t be Schenn’s first rodeo in Toronto. Drafted by the Leafs in 2008, he spent his early years in blue and white before being traded to Philadelphia.
Since then, he's carved out a journeyman career across the NHL, eventually landing with the Winnipeg Jets this season. If Toronto were to bring him back, it would mark his third stint with the franchise - and from the sound of it, he’d welcome the opportunity.
“It’s such a passionate fanbase, which is awesome,” Schenn said during an appearance on Leafs Morning Take. **“I’ve taken my lumps there from fans and the media, but on the other side of it - the love they show you - it’s the best feeling in the world.
I look at it this way: when people care this much, that’s what you want.” **
That kind of attitude matters, especially in a hockey market like Toronto where the pressure is high and expectations are higher. Schenn understands the market, embraces the intensity, and has already proven he can handle the spotlight.
At 36, Schenn isn’t going to light up the scoresheet - and that’s not what teams bring him in to do. Through 32 games with the Jets this season, he’s tallied five points, but his real value lies in the physical and defensive side of the game.
He’s recorded 96 hits and 39 blocked shots while averaging just under 14 minutes per night. He’s also reached the 1,100-game milestone - a testament to his durability and staying power in a league that doesn’t hand out longevity easily.
Why Schenn Makes Sense for Toronto - Again
From a fit standpoint, the Leafs have every reason to consider a reunion. Schenn was a stabilizing force alongside Morgan Rielly during a previous playoff run, providing a steady presence that allowed Rielly to play to his strengths without constantly looking over his shoulder. That kind of chemistry is hard to find, and even harder to replicate.
With Tanev out, Schenn represents a low-risk, high-reward stopgap. He won’t cost more than a mid-to-late-round draft pick, which means Toronto can shore up its defensive depth without mortgaging the future. And if he gives them 30 to 35 games of physical, responsible play - especially down the stretch and into the postseason - that’s a win.
The Leafs have offensive firepower. What they need is someone who can help keep pucks out of their own net.
While a puck-moving defenseman might be the flashier addition, it doesn’t address the core issue: defensive zone stability. Schenn brings that in spades.
And there may be more to this than just a one-for-one move. Schenn’s presence could also help facilitate other transactions, possibly opening the door for another acquisition with ties to the veteran blueliner.
For now, nothing’s official. But if Toronto wants a dependable, playoff-tested defenseman who knows the city, the system, and the stakes - and who’s already expressed interest in coming back - Luke Schenn might just be the right call at the right time.