NHL Rumors: Canucks To Trade Defender For Solid Return

Luke Schenn isn't talked about enough for what he brings to the Vancouver Canucks each night. This also makes him underrated as one of the most physical players in the NHL and a shutdown defender. The Canucks have an idea of his value, which is why they have interest in keeping him around. The problem here is that they can get good value for him before the trade deadline and are at risk of losing him in free agency if he doesn't choose to re-sign.

Thomas Drance and Rick Dhaliwal both think that the Canucks are leaning toward trading Schenn and there will be significant interest. They will get a solid return at the deadline. If there is significant interest as expected, there may be a bidding war over the defenceman who has delivered an average of 4.3 hits per night this season with a cap hit of just $850,000.

Schenn has been playing on the top pairing in Vancouver and has had a good year to this point on a team that has underperformed. He has contributed a bit on offence with two goals and eight points, but what is impressive is his plus-eight plus/minus on a team that is -11 overall. He leads the team in plus/minus and hits.

Even though he is playing on the top pair in Vancouver, he would serve as a very solid third pairing defender for any playoff competitor. And despite the Canucks sitting just three points out of a playoff spot, they are likely going to sell a number of pieces this season.