Boston Bruins: Help Wanted on Defense. Why Not Luke Schenn?
Ever since Dennis Seidenberg went down with an injury, Bruins fans have been wondering how that void can be filled. Many of them seem to relish the fact the Dustin Byfuglien is an option. While the wide-bodied forward/defensemen would be an immediate hit in Black and Gold, he also has a contract heavier than his shot (or weight) which expires at the end of this year, and Winnipeg would be looking for much in return.
One alternative is out there right now, and he is younger, earns less than Byfuglien, and would cost the Bruins far less in a swap. Luke Schenn of the Philadelphia Flyers could be the solution the Bruins need.
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At 25 years of age, he is younger than Byfuglien by almost four years. Much like Byfuglien, he is in a contract year, but Schenn will make $3,600,000 this year, while Byfuglien will earn $6,000,000 with a cap hit of $5,200,000. The Bruins could not afford taking on a cap it in the five million dollar range, but they have the cap space to handle taking on Schenn.
A deal with Winnipeg would most likely cost a first round draft pick, and a roster player. Schenn could be had for a third round draft pick. Both players are entering contract years, and Byfuglien will certainly be looking a deal in the $7,000,000 neighborhood. The Bruins certainly can’t afford to pay two defensemen (Zeno Chara) over $14,000,000 per year. Schenn will want a new deal, but not anywhere in that neighborhood.
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Schenn is a big, shut-down defensemen. At 6’2″, 229 lbs., he is quite big, but not as big as Byfuglien. Nobody has questioned Schenn’s conditioning, though. His numbers last year were identical to Seidenberg’s, as they both had 3 goals and 11 assists.
The bottom line, which with Bruins ownership is all-so-important, is that Schenn is a more cost efficient option to Byfuglien. Philadelphia has players they have to sign, and Schenn may be a piece they need to move.