Renaud Lavoie: Luke Schenn Likely to Draw Interest from Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens face a notable challenge in their defensive lineup. While their top five defensemen—Noah Dobson, Lane Hutson, Mike Matheson, Alexandre Carrier, and Kaiden Guhle—are performing well, the team requires a reliable sixth defenseman to improve their playoff chances. Currently, the rotation between Arber Xhekaj and Jayden Struble is not yielding the desired results.
Luke Schenn: A Potential Target for the Canadiens
According to sports analyst Renaud Lavoie, Luke Schenn is a player likely to garner interest from the Canadiens. Schenn, known for his solid defensive skills and experience, could be a great asset to the team. Given his ability to log significant ice time, particularly in high-stakes matches, he fits the criteria for what Montreal needs.
- Player Name: Luke Schenn
- Age: 36
- Draft Position: 5th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2008
- Current Contract: Final year of a three-year deal worth $2.75 million annually, with the Winnipeg Jets
- Stanley Cup Wins: Two championships (2019-2021) with the Tampa Bay Lightning
Schenn may not be a frequent scorer, but his strength in shutting down opponents makes him valuable in the playoffs. Lavoie suggests that acquiring him could be cost-effective, with a potential asking price around a third-round draft pick. His performance will be on display in the upcoming game against the Canadiens, offering General Manager Kent Hughes an opportunity to evaluate him firsthand.
Canadiens’ Focus on Defensive Improvements
The Canadiens are aware of their defensive shortcomings heading into the playoff season. While Eric Engels expressed skepticism about actively pursuing a sixth defenseman, the connection to Schenn could change the team’s strategy. Effective defensemen are crucial for playoff success, particularly as teams face tougher competition.
Monitoring Schenn’s performance could shape the Canadiens’ approach, especially as they aim to bolster their defensive setup. The upcoming games will be pivotal in determining the team’s direction as the trade deadline approaches.
