The Winnipeg Jets entered this season with high expectations after winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2024-25. However, they are instead in the middle of a nightmare season.
At the time of this writing, the Jets have a 15-21-5 record and are at the bottom of the NHL standings with 35 points. They have also lost each of their last 10 games, so things are just getting worse for the Central Division squad. The Jets’ losing streak has them 10 points behind the San Jose Sharks for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference, too, so their playoff hopes are starting to rapidly decrease.
Now, with the Jets struggling, one of their veteran defenseman is willing to be moved.
According to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, Jets blueliner Luke Schenn is open to being traded to a contender ahead of the 2026 NHL trade deadline.
“As I reported earlier today, Luke Schenn is open to a trade to a contender. Fairly early in the process, but something to keep tabs on between now and the trade deadline,” Pagnotta posted on X.
Schenn not being against the prospect of being traded to a playoff club is entirely understandable. At 36 years old, the right-shot defenseman likely does not have too many more chances to try to win his third career Stanley Cup. Thus, if the Jets keep struggling and are unable to get back into the playoff race, it would make sense for them to trade Schenn. This is especially so when noting that the veteran defender is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA).
Jets’ Schenn Should Generate Trade Interest
Schenn should generate plenty of interest from playoff clubs if the Jets officially make him available for trade. It is no secret that contenders love to add hard-hitting right-shot defensemen at the deadline, and Schenn perfectly fits that description. His playoff experience also adds to his appeal, as he won the Stanley Cup twice during his time with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Jets traded a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Pittsburgh Penguins last season to acquire Schenn. Winnipeg would likely be hoping for something similar in a potential deal centering around Schenn.
In 28 games this season with Winnipeg, Schenn has recorded one goal, four assists, five points, 21 penalty minutes, and 80 hits.
