The NHLs’ trade deadline is under two months away, and we are just a few weeks away from the Olympic roster freeze, and with that, trade chatter has begun to pick up speed.
On Sunday, Rasmus Andersson, who’s long been considered the biggest fish on the trade market, was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights for defenseman Zach Whitecloud, prospect Abram Wiebe, a 2027 first-round pick, and a conditional 2028 second-round pick that can become a first-round pick.
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Although they paid a hefty price to acquire the right-handed defenseman, insiders believe the Golden Knights aren’t finished just yet. One name they are reportedly targeting is St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn.
“Brayden Schenn is another name that the Golden Knights have circled around on,” said David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.
Schenn is drawing plenty of interest on the trade market due to his experience and his two-way pedigree. Teams would feel comfortable adding him to the fold as either a second or third-line center.
The Golden Knights are currently in need of a center amid William Karlsson’s uncertain health. He’s currently on the LTIR, and the Golden Knights haven’t been able to set a timetable for him. Schenn could be a replacement for Karlsson, as Schenn earns just $600,000 more than Karlsson.
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The Golden Knights would have to address their cap situation if they want to acquire the 34-year-old Schenn. They currently have $3.8 million in cap space, but Brayden McNabb’s $3.65 million cap hit will come off the LTIR at some point. The Golden Knights will be required to trade one of their other depth forwards who earn around $2-3 million.
St. Louis Blues captain Brayden Schenn fights Vegas Golden Knights captain Mark Stone (Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images)
Schenn isn’t lighting it up offensively this season with just nine goals and 19 points in 49 games, but he’ll have two years of control, and that’s something the Golden Knights have valued in trade negotiations previously.
In addition to the Golden Knights, the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Capitals are some of the teams with reported interest.
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Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos also speculates that Schenn could be interested in playing with his brother, Luke. Both are playing for underperforming Central Division teams and are trade candidates.
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