Sabres' Luke Schenn Reclaims NHL Spot After Trips to Minors

The veteran defenseman has evolved his game to stay relevant in the modern NHL.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:48pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the movements and positioning of a hockey defenseman, rendered in muted earth tones to convey the player's experience and resilience.A veteran defenseman's perseverance and adaptability are captured in a cubist-inspired illustration of his game.San Diego Today

Luke Schenn, a 36-year-old defenseman who recently joined the Buffalo Sabres, has had to reinvent his game multiple times to maintain an NHL career. After being waived by the Anaheim Ducks in 2018-19 and nearly losing his spot, Schenn worked with Hall of Famer Adam Oates to change his mindset and focus on puck movement rather than physical play. Schenn has since won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning and signed a three-year contract, proving he can still contribute at the NHL level.

Why it matters

Schenn's story highlights the challenges veteran players face in adapting their game as the NHL evolves. His perseverance and willingness to seek outside help to improve his skills allowed him to reclaim a spot in the league after nearly losing his career. As the Sabres make their first playoff push in 15 years, Schenn's experience and defensive abilities will be valuable assets.

The details

In 2018-19, Schenn was waived by the Anaheim Ducks and reported to their AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls, having never played in the minors before. He said he wasn't sure if he'd ever find his way back to the NHL. Schenn then hired Hall of Famer Adam Oates to assess his game, and Oates told him to focus on making simple 5-10 foot passes rather than trying to change his physical playing style. Schenn's career has since rebounded, as he won two Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning and signed a three-year contract in 2023. Now with the Sabres, Schenn is providing depth and experience on the blue line as the team prepares for its first postseason appearance in 15 years.

  • In early 2018-19, the Anaheim Ducks waived Schenn.
  • In 2019-20, Schenn joined the Tampa Bay Lightning as a free agent.
  • In October 2019, Schenn was waived by the Lightning and played for their AHL affiliate, the Syracuse Crunch, while living in Tampa to be with his family.
  • Schenn joined the Sabres hours before the March 6, 2026 trade deadline.
  • On April 3, 2026, Schenn played in his first game for the Sabres after sitting out 10 straight games as a healthy scratch.

The players

Luke Schenn

A 36-year-old defenseman who recently joined the Buffalo Sabres. Schenn has had to reinvent his game multiple times to maintain an NHL career after nearly losing his spot in the league.

Adam Oates

A Hall of Fame center who assessed Schenn's game and advised him to focus on puck movement rather than physical play.

Lindy Ruff

The head coach of the Buffalo Sabres, who values Schenn's experience and defensive abilities as the team prepares for its first playoff run in 15 years.

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What they’re saying

“When you get passed up by 31 NHL teams, you go on waivers, and it's not because it's a salary cap issue, it's just because of your play, you're really not sure if you're ever going to find your way back.”

— Luke Schenn, Defenseman

“Just try to work on puck touches and move the puck better with some reads and just try to get a little bit of longer leash.”

— Luke Schenn, Defenseman

“A simple defenseman that has figured out what will keep him in the league.”

— Lindy Ruff, Head Coach, Buffalo Sabres

What’s next

Schenn will look to continue contributing to the Sabres' playoff push as the team battles for position in the final weeks of the regular season.

The takeaway

Schenn's story is a testament to the perseverance and adaptability required to maintain an NHL career in the modern game. His willingness to evolve his playing style and seek outside help allowed him to reclaim a spot in the league after nearly losing it, and his experience will be invaluable for the Sabres as they make their first postseason appearance in 15 years.