He was probably not helped by being rushed to the NHL. He's shown flashes in his time as a Leaf, but the book certainly is not closed on Schenn.
One area he can probably help with is in front of the crease. The days of the crease clearing monster defenseman are over, but a big body that can block shots and be physical will certainly help against teams like the Rangers
Location: Be nice from now on, NJ Joined: 03.17.2006
Jul 31 @ 8:53 AM ET
Im excited for the sandpaper Schenn adds to the backline. For him to have that many hits in a season as such a young player tells me that he needs to be reined in. I would rather have to pull back an aggressive kid than try to push forward a timid kid.
I pair Schenn with Timonen at even strength. Sort of Timo's Brad Mcrimmon. (and before you all lose your minds, I am in NO WAY trying to say that Schenn is going to be Brad Mcrimmon or that Timo is Mark Howe)
My line of thinking for the Timonen pair is to try to take some of the physical pressure off of Timonen by putting him out there with a banger, who can also make a decent first pass. (also why I don't pair him with Grossmann)
Im excited for the sandpaper Schenn adds to the backline. For him to have that many hits in a season as such a young player tells me that he needs to be reined in. I would rather have to pull back an aggressive kid than try to push forward a timid kid.
I pair Schenn with Timonen at even strength. Sort of Timo's Brad Mcrimmon. (and before you all lose your minds, I am in NO WAY trying to say that Schenn is going to be Brad Mcrimmon or that Timo is Mark Howe)
My line of thinking for the Timonen pair is to try to take some of the physical pressure off of Timonen by putting him out there with a banger, who can also make a decent first pass. (also why I don't pair him with Grossmann) - MBFlyerfan
He was probably not helped by being rushed to the NHL. He's shown flashes in his time as a Leaf, but the book certainly is not closed on Schenn.
One area he can probably help with is in front of the crease. The days of the crease clearing monster defenseman are over, but a big body that can block shots and be physical will certainly help against teams like the Rangers - Jsaquella
Agreed, I felt bad for the kid his entire time in Toronto, he should have been eased in and paired with a mentor to learn the game. Unfortunately he had no such thing to work with and was immediately the 2nd best dman on his team which was not a good thing.
A change of scenery and coaching + players I'm sure will do wonders for him and I garuntee that he will probably play his best games during the Philly vs. Toronto games this year.
He only needs to work on his speed (his first steps) and get his confidence back.
He has the skill to score goals as well but seems to shy to use it. Decent shot not huge but good enough.
Favourite clip of him at his most confident (besides all those hitting clips.)
Agreed, I felt bad for the kid his entire time in Toronto, he should have been eased in and paired with a mentor to learn the game. Unfortunately he had no such thing to work with and was immediately the 2nd best dman on his team which was not a good thing.
A change of scenery and coaching + players I'm sure will do wonders for him and I garuntee that he will probably play his best games during the Philly vs. Toronto games this year.
He only needs to work on his speed (his first steps) and get his confidence back.
He has the skill to score goals as well but seems to shy to use it. Decent shot not huge but good enough.
Favourite clip of him at his most confident (besides all those hitting clips.)
Another great article. Hopefully the pressure is off this kid on the 3rd pairing.
Look forward to some good brawls as well.
Never hurts to have a guy that can stick up for your teamates instead of looking for a dance partner. - Daman
Barely did that, and when he did he was almost always shown up. Saying that, he destroyed people along the boards and a couple times in open ice. If he can learn to clear people away from the net and be smarter with the puck in his own end you have an excellent defensemen.
Didn't know he was a power forward. Doan who? - fnmjoe13
I'm still a little baffled that Toronto did the deal. Burke has been preaching grit for years and with Carlyle now on the team I think it would be emphasized now more than ever, trading Schenn made our team weaker. Carlyle has a defensive coaching style as well, which also didn't make sense for the trade. JVR is a skill player, he may be big but by no means is he mean or gritty... or defensive.
Location: me bitter? F-no i think it's hilarious Joined: 12.14.2011
Jul 31 @ 9:09 AM ET
I'm still a little baffled that Toronto did the deal. Burke has been preaching grit for years and with Carlyle now on the team I think it would be emphasized now more than ever, trading Schenn made our team weaker. Carlyle has a defensive coaching style as well, which also didn't make sense for the trade. JVR is a skill player, he may be big but by no means is he mean or gritty... or defensive.
Location: "All train compartments smell vaguely of sh*t. It gets so you don't mind it" Joined: 12.26.2006
Jul 31 @ 9:10 AM ET
I'm still a little baffled that Toronto did the deal. Burke has been preaching grit for years and with Carlyle now on the team I think it would be emphasized now more than ever, trading Schenn made our team weaker. Carlyle has a defensive coaching style as well, which also didn't make sense for the trade. JVR is a skill player, he may be big but by no means is he mean or gritty... or defensive.
Am I right? Maybe I'm wrong. - wolfos412
JVR is a skilled plyr with a higher upside. if he stays healthy and returns to the wing position, he should have a fine career.
Schenn will always stick up for his teammates but the guy cannot fight, not trying to troll, just telling you he won't win many if any - MLeafs81
He is not a fighter indeed, but the fact that a guy who knows he will probably lose a fight will still go out and fight to stick up for his team is a pretty good way to show your dedication and to pump up the rest of your team.
I'm still a little baffled that Toronto did the deal. Burke has been preaching grit for years and with Carlyle now on the team I think it would be emphasized now more than ever, trading Schenn made our team weaker. Carlyle has a defensive coaching style as well, which also didn't make sense for the trade. JVR is a skill player, he may be big but by no means is he mean or gritty... or defensive.
Am I right? Maybe I'm wrong. - wolfos412
Never thought of JVR as gritty and definitely not mean. He has some great skills though. He just can't seem to show up on a consistent basis, yet. I think this works out for both teams. As long as Toronto doesn't get upset over his lack of grit or Philly doesn't think we got Weber Jr. Not sure about JVR at center either. He is great coming down the wing with the puck, head up, and a full head of steam. Not so much in the D zone though.
Location: There's a kind of freedom in being completely screwed... Joined: 09.12.2006
Jul 31 @ 9:12 AM ET
I'm still a little baffled that Toronto did the deal. Burke has been preaching grit for years and with Carlyle now on the team I think it would be emphasized now more than ever, trading Schenn made our team weaker. Carlyle has a defensive coaching style as well, which also didn't make sense for the trade. JVR is a skill player, he may be big but by no means is he mean or gritty... or defensive.
I'm still a little baffled that Toronto did the deal. Burke has been preaching grit for years and with Carlyle now on the team I think it would be emphasized now more than ever, trading Schenn made our team weaker. Carlyle has a defensive coaching style as well, which also didn't make sense for the trade. JVR is a skill player, he may be big but by no means is he mean or gritty... or defensive.
Am I right? Maybe I'm wrong. - wolfos412
JVR has shown flashes of brilliance (Boston series in which he played physical) and other times hes been invisible. I just think he need to be more consistent and he should be fine. I do not think hes going to work out at center. if your expecting big hits or crashing the net hard and making life hell for the other team, he doesnt do it that often. When he does he can take over games though.
Location: Sundin, Sakic, Nolan, Kamensky, ect that's a comparable group toHall, Ebs, Nuge and Yak-Jeropotato, ON Joined: 07.16.2012
Jul 31 @ 9:15 AM ET
He is not a fighter indeed, but the fact that a guy who knows he will probably lose a fight will still go out and fight to stick up for his team is a pretty good way to show your dedication and to pump up the rest of your team. - wolfos412
Agreed He's definelty a great leader I hope he can regain some confidence in Philly. Always liked the guy but we needed a player like JVR more then we needed a player like schenn.
Never thought of JVR as gritty and definitely not mean. He has some great skills though. He just can't seem to show up on a consistent basis, yet. I think this works out for both teams. As long as Toronto doesn't get upset over his lack of grit or Philly doesn't think we got Weber Jr. Not sure about JVR at center either. He is great coming down the wing with the puck, head up, and a full head of steam. Not so much in the D zone though. - fnmjoe13
I believe the 'Center' talk is Burkes way of saying no one will trade their centers to us, so we'll use this excuse to take the pressure off though it will 99% not work.
Chances are the lines will be
Lupul- Bozak - Kessel
JVR-Grabo-Kulemin
