The Winnipeg Jets are heating up at just the right time. Riding a four-game win streak, they’ve found themselves in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, and that momentum could have a ripple effect on how they approach the trade deadline.
With the team trending upward, Winnipeg may be less inclined to part with certain veterans-even those on expiring deals. But one name still floating around in trade chatter is Luke Schenn. The 36-year-old defenseman has drawn considerable interest from around the league, with the Toronto Maple Leafs emerging as a serious potential suitor.
Toronto’s interest makes sense on multiple levels. The Leafs are dealing with injuries on the blue line, most notably to Chris Tanev, whose status for the rest of the season remains uncertain. That’s left Toronto looking for a steady, physical presence on the back end-someone who can slot in and stabilize a defense that’s struggled with consistency.
Enter Schenn, a familiar face in Toronto who’s had two previous stints with the club. He’s not the player he was when he first broke into the league, but his game has aged well.
He’s still dependable in his own zone, brings a physical edge, and has shown chemistry with Morgan Rielly in the past. That pairing worked well during Schenn’s last run with the Leafs, and there’s real belief it could help reignite Rielly’s play, which has come under scrutiny this season.
According to TSN’s Chris Johnston, the Leafs are seriously considering a third reunion with Schenn. “There’s already some rumblings around that they’re even looking at a third trip through with Luke Schenn right now,” Johnston said on his podcast. “At this stage of Luke’s career, I think the acquisition costs would be more modest, and it worked really well with him and Morgan Rielly.”
From Winnipeg’s side, the calculus is a bit more complicated. The Jets are short on draft capital-without second- or fourth-round picks in each of the next two drafts-so getting a mid-round pick in return for Schenn could be valuable. But that has to be weighed against the team’s current injury situation on the back end.
The Jets are already dealing with injuries to Neal Pionk, Colin Miller, and Haydn Fleury. That’s left them thin on the blue line, and if they want to keep this winning streak alive and stay in the playoff hunt, moving Schenn without a reliable replacement could be risky.
One potential solution? Trade Schenn for assets and immediately flip part of the return-or another asset-for a depth defenseman.
There are a few low-cost options out there. Chicago’s Louis Crevier is one name that’s been floated.
He’s averaging under 17 minutes per game but has chipped in 14 points over 44 contests, showing he can handle a regular shift.
Other possibilities include Matt Grzelcyk, also in Chicago, or Ian Cole from Utah. Both are experienced, capable defenders who likely wouldn’t cost much and could provide short-term stability while the Jets wait for their injured blueliners to return.
It’s a delicate balance for GM Kevin Cheveldayoff. On one hand, the Jets are winning and building chemistry-disrupting that could backfire. On the other, turning an aging asset on an expiring deal into a draft pick or a more long-term piece could be a smart play for a team that’s trying to stay competitive now without mortgaging the future.
With the Olympic roster freeze looming on February 4, the pressure is on. Toronto may get aggressive if their injury situation worsens, and the Jets will have to decide whether to ride the hot streak with their current group or make a move that keeps one eye on the bigger picture.
One thing’s for sure: the clock is ticking, and the Jets are at a crossroads-contender or seller? We’ll find out soon enough.