Schenn set to make Jets debut as Rangers make a stop in Winnipeg

Nashville Predators defenceman Luke Schenn plays against the Minnesota Wild during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Luke Schenn will be hitting the ice for his ninth team tonight, this time with a Winnipeg Jets logo blazoned across his chest.

The two-time Stanley Cup champion was acquired by the Jets on trade deadline day Friday in exchange for two draft picks—a second round in 2026 and a fourth-round selection in 2027.

Schenn, who will be wearing number five, will be playing alongside Haydn Fleury on the third defensive pairing.

“(He has) a lot of experience. He’s won a couple Stanley Cups. A guy who I can learn a lot from,” said Fleury. “I really do think with my skating we complement each other well, and I’m ready for tonight.

“I think he’s a big physical guy. He can do a lot of things in the corner. So I think with my skating through the neutral zone, and just be able to support him all over the ice. I think that just blends together well.”

That is exactly what Head Coach Scott Arniel was thinking when he settled on those two patrolling the blue line together.

“We know what our numbers are, and I want to make sure everybody’s getting their reps and everybody’s a part of this. It’s going to take everybody if we’re going to go deep in the playoffs, and it’s going to take the full roster,” said Arniel.

“Getting Haydn in there has been something I’ve wanted to do. He’s a good skater, good mobility.”

This is the first game back for the Jets on home ice after wrapping up a four-game road trip. They went 2-2 in that stretch, with their last game being a 4-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday.

While Winnipeg is comfortably sitting in a playoff spot, each game the rest of the way will have implications on the standings.

In the Central Division, the Jets are trying to ward off the Dallas Stars, who are just six points behind them for the top spot in the division.

As well, Winnipeg is battling for first place in the entire NHL and a shot at the President’s Trophy. They are currently tied with the Washington Capitals at 92 points each.

As for the Jets’ opponent, the Rangers are in a battle for the last Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference. They sit two points back of the Columbus Blue Jackets for the final spot.

Winnipeg and New York last met in November, with the Jets coming out on top 6-3.

“They’ve certainly changed their roster a lot since the last time we’ve seen them. But the pieces they’ve added are good pieces. I know JT (Miller) really well. Obviously know him from Vancouver, I had him in New York. He’s driving that line,” said Arniel.

He noted the Rangers have a good mix of top-skilled lines along with heavy hitters to follow them up.

He knows Winnipeg needs to be prepared for a high-end game.

“Different look, but still an elite team with some top players.”

The clash between the Jets and Rangers starts at 7 p.m. with Connor Hellebuyck getting the start for Winnipeg.