Schenn And The Number 10

• If you are surprised today to hear that Luke Schenn will start the season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where have you been? Schenn did everything and more after an excellent training camp, and sensational play in the exhibition season.
• Rockets fans need to worry about one thing...the number ten. If Luke Schenn plays his 10th regular season game with the Leafs this season, he is unable to come back to Kelowna. The Leafs can play Schenn in a maximum of 9 regular season games before deciding on one of two options. A) Keep him in the NHL for the entire season or B) Send him back to junior for more seasoning. Remember If Schenn plays his 10th game in the NHL, he can't come back to the Rockets. And no, he can not be sent down to the minors.


• With him starting the season in the NHL, it does not close the door for Schenn returning to the WHL. Is it a step forward in the process of becoming a full time player in the NHL? Absolutely. But several players have signed NHL contracts and have returned to junior. Rockets forward Jamie Benn is a signed player. Josh Gorges signed a deal with San Jose and returned to junior. Lethbridge Hurricanes forward Zach Boychuk signed a contract Saturday with Carolina, yet the 1st round pick from this summers draft is expected to be back in the 'Bridge City' this season.
• My gut feeling from the very beginning is Schenn would start the season in the NHL. But I still believe the Leafs will send him back to Kelowna once he plays a few regular season games. It's not because he's not good enough, it's just the Leafs don't want to rush a valuable asset. Leafs head coach Ron Wilson wants to ice the best team this season so Schenn is part of that equation, yet GM Cliff Fletcher is looking at the long term future of the franchise which tells me Schenn has little to gain on a team that will struggle.
• Any player in the NHL will tell you the intensity level takes even a further jump when the games count in the standings starting Thursday night. It's Schenn's aim to adapt to the quicker pace, showing the Leafs that he is ready to make the jump and the exhibition was no fluke.


• I have to congratulate Luke Schenn for making the Leafs opening day roster. I consider Schenn a friend and a delight to be around. Did I think he'd make the jump that quickly? No. But Schenn has shown over the years that he is as good as those around him. He answers the bell to ever challenge set before him, and for that he must be commended. Would I like to see him back with the Rockets this season? Darn rights. I will admit it would be easier to see him go if his junior team was in a rebuilding year, but the Rockets have some horses in their lineup, and Luke Schenn would be a nice addition to the stable.


• I equate Schenn's promotion to a law student who has gone through years and years of studies. After time spent in the classroom, that student has finally graduated. For Schenn the years of schooling have been on the ice. Now he's graduated, and in this case with high honours. Schenn likely considered a career in hockey when he was playing bantam in Saskatoon. Since then he has dedicated his young life to the game in an attempt to 'graduating' to the NHL. Now he has accomplished his goal. The neat thing is we in Kelowna have witnesses the maturation process.