Darren Dreger links Jets defenseman Luke Schenn to former team, outlines potential return
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Daniel Lucente
Jan 9, 2026 (10:40)
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Photo credit: James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
NHL insider Darren Dreger believes a Luke Schenn reunion with the Maple Leafs is possible, and the Jets would likely get a lower-end draft pick in return.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the rise in the standings, following their 2-1 overtime victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. The team has won four of the past five games and is currently in fifth place in the Atlantic Division.
With the playoffs on the horizon, the Leafs are now focusing on upgrades to the roster, starting with the defensive corps. An NHL source has detailed the price that might need to be paid to secure a veteran defenseman from the Jets.
What has caused the Leafs to seek defensemen on the trade market
The need for the Maple Leafs has arisen due to injuries. Chris Tanev, who came back on Dec. 28, has had another setback and is to undergo season-ending surgery.
Jake McCabe and Dakota Mermis have also been ruled out, and the Leafs have decided to look for trades.
Appearing on TSN's 'FanDuel OverDrive' program, NHL insider Darren Dreger listed the Winnipeg Jets as a potential trading partner. Luke Schenn is a familiar face in the organization, having skated with Toronto for the first four seasons of his NHL career.
Why Luke Schenn would still be a good option for the Leafs despite his limitations
Dreger did agree that Schenn has his limitations, as he has lost some speed, but is a smart, physical defenseman. He's got that personality and presence in the room, no matter how many minutes he's playing, according to Dreger.
This year, he has five points in 29 games, a minus-5 rating, and averages 13:35 of playing time per night.
"I'm pretty sure if the Maple Leafs wanted to reunite Luke Schenn, they'd get him for a lower end draft pick; I think that Luke is looking for a better opportunity, bigger role."
- Darren Dreger
- Darren Dreger
Still, Dreger emphasized that Leafs general manager Brad Treliving likely wants more, with the final cost depending on Winnipeg's demands. Dreger believes a low-end draft pick would suffice to get Schenn.
The Athletic's Jonas Siegel added that while Toronto has assets, landing a higher-end defenseman like Rasmus Andersson would be a significant challenge, which is why Schenn appears the likelier option.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 9 | 206 ANSWERS Darren Dreger links Jets defenseman Luke Schenn to former team, outlines potential return Would you be okay with the Jets trading Luke Schenn to the Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 153 | 74.3 % |
| No | 53 | 25.7 % |
| List of polls | ||