James Tanner: Luke Schenn: Top Pairing Defenseman (It's Not as Crazy as It Sounds) Thinking creatively, the Coyotes may have just solved their greatest problem: no partner for OEL.

A little surprised he was signed for so little. Equally surprised that he accepted that 2nd year. With more responsibilities in Phoenix, his value would have gone up.

He is a bottom pairing defender with zero chance of getting better

He is a bottom pairing defender with zero chance of getting better
- Just5

Anyone can get better...just highly unlikely he is anything other than the bottom pairing guy you speak of.

James Tanner: Luke Schenn: Top Pairing Defenseman (It's Not as Crazy as It Sounds)
Thinking creatively, the Coyotes may have just solved their greatest problem: no partner for OEL.
- James_Tanner

This should be good.

He is a bottom pairing defender with zero chance of getting better
- Just5

No point in arguing with you if you're just going to read the headline.

This should be good.
- maxbart5

Yeah, let me know what you think when you're done.

come on James, we all know that if Schenn is on your top pairing, you are trying to tank

Also probably should get Chychrun signed to an ELC before you have him penciled in for your starting roster

Nice piece - as always.

Let's face it: this deal is low-risk for both sides and the potential upside is significant.

One question: has Schenn ever worked with a skating coach like Barb Underhill?

I think he would have more goals in his career if not for his weak shot, it's awful. He gets chances because his hockey sense is pretty good. The Leafs are notorious for drafting defensemen with weak shots from the point. Shenn, Kaberle, Percy, Benning, Nylund. Even Reilly's isn't all that great. A defenseman with a weak shot is usually a weak passer, they have trouble springing a forward with a long pass.

Yeah, let me know what you think when you're done.
- James_Tanner

I meant the reaction in the thread. I started reading the blog and realized you were just pumping your own tires bragging about your college education and legendary sports writer career.

I meant the reaction in the thread. I started reading the blog and realized you were just pumping your own tires bragging about your college education and legendary sports writer career.
- maxbart5

That's ridiculous. I will never understand why people say more stupid and insulting things to me in one given day online than cumulatively in my entire real life.

Luke Schenn:Top Pairing D man.

There are no words.

Very surprised to see you put some Greg Kihn in there.
Bravo.

Literally the first thing that popped in my head when i heard about Schenn signing with Arizona yesterday...

"I bet Tanner has him playing with OEL"

Sure enough I lost it reading the blog, thanks.

If Chychrun isn't ready this year, Andrew MacDonald would look nice with Michalek.

Before even finishing reading your blog at the beginning you claim the Leafs were "good" in your lifetime!?!? This is beyond the koolaid drinking behaviour of the average leaf fan. The Leafs have been horrible, pure, $hit, an embarrassment to everyone everywhere, the anomaly in the monetary world where people pay top dollar for the absolute worst product. Luke Schen couldn't make top pairing on a mediocre Flyers team and was bottom pairing on the Kings. The Leafs have sucked for 3 generations and are only now looking like they could be a respectable team in a few years if they can bolster their defense beyond Morgan Riley. Their offense should be decent if all their prospectes live up to their billing but after Riley they have almost as bad a defense as the Coyotes do.

Very surprised to see you put some Greg Kihn in there.
Bravo.
- clintyboy

Word!

Before even finishing reading your blog at the beginning you claim the Leafs were "good" in your lifetime!?!?
- Dcoms

A little Cup drunk maybe?

He said "good." Under the two Pats the Leafs certainly qualified.

The piece is about Luke Schenn with some irreverent anecdotes. Focus.

Solid article for those that actually spend the time to read it.

He's a slow, strong defenseman. Tippet plays a strict trap. He should fit right in.

Solid article for those that actually spend the time to read it.


- flyer_nutter

Thanks. It's not like I'm saying he's a good first pairing guy. Just that the Coyotes could deploy him as such while they wait for their prospects to improve and until they can make a trade for a legit OEL partner.

A little Cup drunk maybe?

He said "good." Under the two Pats the Leafs certainly qualified.

The piece is about Luke Schenn with some irreverent anecdotes. Focus.
- ne_one

Leafs did go to four Final Fours between 93 and 2003, which I think was the most during that time, or at least top five.

Before even finishing reading your blog at the beginning you claim the Leafs were "good" in your lifetime!?!? This is beyond the koolaid drinking behaviour of the average leaf fan. The Leafs have been horrible, pure, $hit, an embarrassment to everyone everywhere, the anomaly in the monetary world where people pay top dollar for the absolute worst product. Luke Schen couldn't make top pairing on a mediocre Flyers team and was bottom pairing on the Kings. The Leafs have sucked for 3 generations and are only now looking like they could be a respectable team in a few years if they can bolster their defense beyond Morgan Riley. Their offense should be decent if all their prospectes live up to their billing but after Riley they have almost as bad a defense as the Coyotes do.
- Dcoms

Yes yes we know,we keep hearing this.The Leafs have been horrible for 10-12 years,i get it but 3 generations?I can remember Pittsburgh and Chicago being that bad too.So unless you're only 14 years old me thinks you're full of poop.

That's ridiculous. I will never understand why people say more stupid and insulting things to me in one given day online than cumulatively in my entire real life.
- James_Tanner

There's people like this everywhere but their courage doesn't exist until they're hidden behind a keyboard.

ok james. i'll bite ..... jim benning, bob murray, and any other of the "worst" GM's in the league make this move, do you have the same reaction? doubt we see this much positivity ....