Schenn, Lecavalier and Weal – Who Won the Trade?

Today was a bit of a shock for Los Angeles Kings fans. Their success of late seemed to point to the roster being complete and ready for a playoff push.

But things change very fast.

The Kings acquired Vincent Lecavalier and Luke Schenn from the Philadelphia Flyers for Jordan Weal and a 3rd round draft pick in the 2016 NHL draft. In Lecavalier, they pick up a veteran center who’s been a proven winner. He won a Stanley Cup in 2004 with the Tampa Bay Lightning and also won the Maurice Richard award in 2007 by leading the NHL in goals. But it hasn’t always been success and glory for “Vinny”. In 2013, the Lightning bought out the remainder of his contract to be relieved of his $7 million cap hit because he wasn’t producing at the level he once did.

Many people still saw Lecavalier as a worthwhile talent and the Flyers were the first to take a shot at Lecavalier by signing him a week after he was bought out. In a few seasons with the Flyers, he hasn’t been able to find that old form which led him to a Stanley Cup. But maybe he’ll have one more shot of achieving that prize by joining the Los Angeles Kings. Dean Lombardi (Kings GM) seems to think that’s possible…

"“One of the issues was strength down the middle. … Vinny, at this stage of his career, as was made clear to us, it’s all about getting one last chance to win it all. I think he’s hungry. And given his mindset and his fit on this team, it’s potentially a great fit in his role. And that’s the key,” said Lombardi to Pierre Lebrun of ESPN."

And what about Luke Schenn? Reports have said he’s had trouble with the coaching staff in Philadelphia for some time now. But has recently been in the lineup night in, night out for the Flyers. Schenn was a 5th overall draft pick in 2008 and scouts had high hopes in him while in juniors. He spent some time in Toronto and became known as a heavy hitting, mean defenseman. He’s continued that with Philadelphia but with a little more self-control.

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Along with the 3rd round pick, the Kings sent off prospect Jordan Weal. Weal has been a star at the junior and AHL level but couldn’t crack the Kings lineup this season. Last season, he won the Calder Cup with the Manchester Monarchs in addition to being the playoff MVP. This kid has talent.

Couple notes on the trade:

• the Flyers retain half of Lecavalier and Schenn’s contracts until they become unrestricted free agents at the end of the year
• Lecavalier has indicated he will retire at the end of this season
• Derek Forbort was sent down to the AHL to make room for Schenn

So who won the trade? Los Angeles or Philadelphia? Tough to say. The Kings have a solid right-handed defenseman to make up for the loss of Matt Greene to shoulder surgery. They also gain strength at the center position which is much needed on the 3rd and 4th lines. The Flyers gain a top prospect in Jordan Weal who is likely to make a big impact once he’s given a chance. Let’s hope the Kings don’t regret letting such young talent float away because they weren’t willing to give him a chance in the kind of position he’s built for – offense, offense, offense.