Report: Maple Leafs 'Not Close' on New Contract for Luke Schenn

They Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Luke Schenn have a mutual interest in extending their current work relationship. But it appears there seems to be a gap in the negotiations.

Rick Dhaliwal reports that Schenn and the Maple Leafs are still talking, but don't have a framework in place for a new deal.

"He’s not close to signing a contract with the Maple Leafs," Dhaliwal said on his Donnie and Dhali show on Friday. " There’s work to do. They’re talking, but they’re not close. You never know. Luke might hit July 1st."

Dhaliwal reported earlier last week that Schenn had been seeking term and trade protection in a new contract. 

Schenn is coming off a two-year, $1.7 million contract he signed with the Vancouver Canucks in 2021 and hasn't earned more than $1.25 million in a season since the 2015-16 season. He also hasn't been on a contract longer than two years in that span.

The Maple Leafs acquired Schenn from the Canucks in February in exchange for a third-round draft pick.

Originally expected to be a bottom-pair or seventh defensive option, Schenn quickly rose up the depth chart and found himself consistently playing top-four minutes alongside Morgan Rielly during the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs. During the first round of the playoffs, Schenn was on the ice for seven goals and just one goal against at even strength. In their second round against the Florida Panthers, Schenn was on the ice for three goals and just one against at even strength, despite losing in five games.

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