Brayden Schenn's Dominance at WJHC Should End All Trade Rumors

With the World Junior Hockey Championships officially in the books, the focus once again turns to the NHL where more than a few teams could use a facelift.  

One of the teams that has consistently been in the trade rumors this season has been the Los Angeles Kings, and more times than not, Brayden Schenn’s name seems to come up amongst the players going the other way.

Schenn has had a busy season, spending time with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League, Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League, eight games with the Kings and of course his time with Team Canada at the WJHC.

Schenn has struggled at the pro level, scoring three goals and seven points with the Monarchs, while posting just two assists in eight games with the Kings.

That said, with all the changes in scenery, Schenn can be excused for not dominating the way he did at the WJHC. Schenn scored a total of 18 points in this year’s tournament, tying a record set by Dale McCourt in 1977. Not Sidney Crosby, not Mario Lemieux, not even Wayne Gretzky scored as many points at a WJHC, which is to say, Schenn’s feat was extraordinary.

No question, the Kings have big plans for Schenn, who should emerge as the team’s second line centre in no time. Schenn has the potential to be an excellent two-way player, has tremendous leadership abilities and, if all goes well, should be a perennial all-star at the NHL level for years to come.

Needless to say, Schenn’s performance and upside should finally put to rest all the trade rumors involving his name, simply put, the Los Angeles Kings would be crazy to give up on this kid, which means the Toronto Maple Leafs (whose fans and GM Brian Burke have long yearned to add Brayden to a roster that already includes brother Luke Schenn) and every other NHL fanbase needs to move on- Brayden is not going anywhere!

Until next time,

Peace!