Nashville Predators’ Luke Schenn Reaches Career Milestone in NHL
In a heartwarming celebration on Saturday, veteran defenceman Luke Schenn of the Nashville Predators achieved a monumental feat by playing in his 1,000th career NHL game. This marked a significant achievement for Schenn, making him the 398th player in league history to reach this impressive milestone.
The pre-game ceremony was a touching tribute to Schenn’s illustrious 17-season career, featuring a video montage showcasing memorable moments, heartfelt messages from former teammates, and a special gift of a silver stick from general manager Barry Trotz to honor the occasion.
Hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Schenn delighted his friends and family in attendance by scoring the first goal of the evening, despite the team ultimately suffering their fifth consecutive loss to kick off the season. This bittersweet moment added an extra layer of joy to the celebration of Schenn’s remarkable achievement.
However, Schenn’s road to 1,000 games has been far from easy or conventional for the former top-five draft pick. The seasoned defenceman has faced his fair share of challenges, including clearing waivers twice and spending time in the American Hockey League with three different teams. Despite the setbacks, Schenn’s perseverance and resilience have been key to his longevity in the league.
In a candid interview on TSN1050’s First Up, Schenn reflected on his journey to 1,000 games, acknowledging the highs and lows of his career. “There have been a lot of challenging moments throughout my career,” he shared. “Proud to get the number and the milestone, but it’s just a number, I guess. That’s not the most special part. Looking back, finding a way to kind of get out of some tough times is maybe what I’m most proud of.”
Schenn’s determination and unwavering belief in himself have been essential in overcoming adversity and securing his place in NHL history. “I mentioned to guys on the team, had a little moment there, where I said I wasn’t so much even looking to get to 1,000 games. I was really trying to claw back and figure out how I’d get just one more game,” he admitted.
A former fifth-overall pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Schenn has played for eight different teams throughout his lengthy career, including two stints with Toronto and the Vancouver Canucks. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, Schenn’s perseverance and dedication to his craft have enabled him to leave a lasting impact on the game he loves.
Following a stint in the AHL from 2018 to 2020, Schenn experienced a career resurgence with the Tampa Bay Lightning, winning two Stanley Cups in back-to-back seasons from 2020 to 2021. During the playoff runs with Tampa Bay, Schenn’s contributions were invaluable, as he appeared in 19 games and tallied one goal and two assists, along with 54 hits and 22 blocked shots.
As Schenn enters this rarefied air of NHL players who have reached 1,000 games, his journey serves as a testament to the resilience, determination, and unwavering passion required to thrive in the fast-paced world of professional hockey. Congratulations to Luke Schenn on this incredible milestone, and here’s to many more games of excellence ahead.