As the NHL season enters its second half, trade discussions are intensifying among teams outside the playoff positions. Winnipeg has struggled this year, and some of its veteran players are starting to attract interest from contenders.
One name in particular has caught the attention of teams as they look to strengthen their blue line for a playoff push.
Four Contenders, Including Dallas, Are Interested in $8.25M Veteran Defenseman
The Winnipeg Jets have had a rough season and sit at 15-21-5 in the Central Division, following a 10-game losing skid. They’ve struggled to hold leads, often fall behind early, and have lost several close games late. Kyle Connor remains their top offensive player, but scoring has been inconsistent, and defensive lapses have hurt them. Special teams have also been a problem, and the team needs steadier defense to change its season path.
Amid their struggles, defenseman Luke Schenn is now at the center of trade talk. Winnipeg acquired him in March 2025 from Pittsburgh, hoping his experience and physical style would stabilize their defense. He is in the final year of his three-year, $8.25 million contract, which carries a $2.75 million cap hit. That contract and his veteran status make him a realistic option for teams looking to add depth.
Schenn’s season has been average and limited. He has battled Colin Miller for third-pair minutes but generally gets more ice time. On Tuesday, he scored in a 4-3 overtime loss to Vegas, snapping a 10-game point drought. Over 28 games, he has one goal, four assists, 80 hits, 30 blocked shots, and a minus-6 rating. His value stems more from his experience and physical play than from scoring.
NHL insider David Pagnotta recently shared updates on Schenn during “DFO Rundown Insider Edition”. “The interesting thing is that we’re starting to hear about Luke Schenn, who just played his 1,100th game with the Jets last night,” Pagnotta said. He added that while Schenn hasn’t asked for a trade, he “wouldn’t mind a change of scenery.” Pagnotta also noted the Jets are monitoring the situation closely.
According to Pagnotta, teams that showed interest in Schenn last season might revisit him this year. Among those are the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Vegas Golden Knights, and Washington Capitals. Dallas, in particular, has been searching for more depth on the blue line while staying competitive, and adding a seasoned, physical defenseman like Schenn could perfectly address that need.
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So, Schenn’s appeal is clear. Drafted fifth overall by Toronto in 2008, he plays a simple, physical game with strong net-front coverage and board battles. While his minutes are limited, his experience and toughness make him a practical option for teams chasing a deep playoff run.
