Defenseman Luke Schenn and forward Tanner Pearson joined the Buffalo Sabres on March 12, following their acquisition from the Winnipeg Jets. Both players participated in their first practice with the team and are expected to contribute as depth options for the remainder of the season.
Schenn, 36, and Pearson, 33, bring significant experience to Buffalo, having played nearly 2,000 combined NHL games. This marks Schenn’s tenth NHL team and Pearson’s seventh. The two have previously been teammates with Los Angeles, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and now Buffalo. “We can’t seem to shake each other, it seems,” Schenn joked during his introductory press conference.
Both players said they have noticed the Sabres’ strong performance this season as the team has climbed to the top of the Atlantic Division. “We played here earlier in the year (Dec. 1) with the Jets,” Schenn said. “We were walking out of that game saying, ‘There’s no way this team should be in the position they’re in right now. They’re too good, they’re too skilled and fast, and they’ve got size, all the pieces you need to figure it out.’ Good for them to get on the right track, and we’re just happy to contribute any way we can and be a part of it. And looking forward to getting going here.”
Schenn has played over 1,100 regular season games across 18 seasons and won two Stanley Cups with Tampa Bay in 2020 and 2021. He described his playing style as consistent throughout his career: “I don’t think my game’s changed a ton throughout the course of my career,” he said. “I’ve always tried to be a more physical defenseman, make a good first pass and try to be hard to play against in the D zone.” He is expected to provide blue-line depth behind established defensemen such as Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power.
Pearson recalled childhood memories attending games at KeyBank Center with his father: “I remember coming here as a kid with my dad and going to those games. When they were in the playoffs then, it was buzzing,” he said. Now an experienced player himself after winning a Stanley Cup early in his career with Los Angeles in 2014, Pearson emphasized adapting his role over time: “To play in this league a while, you have to evolve… If I have to play a defensive role, I play a defensive role.” The Sabres expect him to fill that defensive role while contributing offensively when possible.
As Buffalo prepares for potential playoff action next month, both veterans are positioned as steadying influences for a young roster aiming for postseason success.
