When Luke Schenn made his season debut on September 29th, he joined Nolan Baumgartner as the only players in franchise history to serve three separate stints with the Vancouver Canucks. But why does this partnership continue to be such a natural fit?

The Canucks signed Schenn to a one-year, $2.25 million contract in July. To many, bringing back the 36 year old blue liner for a third time in Vancouver might seem like a nostalgia play to generate warm headlines. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. While Schenn may not be the player he once was, he brings over 1,000 games of NHL experience and has been outspoken on his love for British Columbia, living in Kelowna during offseasons. For a Canucks organization working to establish a new culture, having Schenn mentor the core’s young talent is an invaluable asset.

Selected fifth overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Schenn immediately felt the heavy expectations put on him by Leaf fans. The problem was, the expectations put on Schenn were unfair, and unrealistic to the type of player he was. Schenn’s a defensive defenseman, and while he may not be able to put up high point totals, his large stature and defensive abilities is what made him a highly touted prospect. After tallying 75 points in 310 games in Toronto, he was traded to Philadelphia and labeled a “bust”.

Schenn spent the next eight seasons bouncing across four organizations until hitting rock bottom in 2018. After playing over 500 NHL games, he was placed on waivers by the Anaheim Ducks and assigned to the AHL. At 29, he questioned whether his career was over.

“You’re thinking this is the end. You just cleared waivers and all 30 teams pass up on you. I remember coaches asked me, ‘Are you even going to go to the minors? Are you going to retire?’

The Canucks took their first chance on him late in the 2018–19 season, acquiring him via trade. Schenn was given quality minutes and revitalized his game, earning a contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning that summer. Over the next two seasons in Tampa, he won back-to-back Stanley Cups, joining his brother Brayden as a champion and etching his name into the Cup.

Schenn returned to Vancouver in 2021 on a two-year deal, further solidifying his bond with the fanbase before being moved again in 2023. After playing for four teams in the last three seasons, he’s now back for round three with the Canucks.

As the Canucks go through with their rebuild, having players who are able to mentor the young players holds large value. From a high drafted prospect, to an AHL demotion, to a two-time Stanley Cup champion, Schenn has lived every role the game has to offer and can speak to any experience that a player is going through.