Drafted fifth overall by the Leafs way back in 2008, Luke Schenn came into the NHL as a fresh-faced 18-year-old, tabbed as Toronto’s next hockey savior and the anchor of their blue line for years to come.
The makings of a fan-favorite and future captain were readily apparent, even as a teenager stepping out of junior hockey. Schenn was never a big offensive producer in the WHL, but he was the physical, hard-nosed, heart-and-soul kind of player that Leafs Nation has shown a particular affinity for over the years.
Saddled with such high expectations and so much responsibility at such a young age, Schenn was under the microscope from the start. It all proved to be way too much, way too soon for the bruising blueliner on a team that was destined for failure. Through Schenn’s first four seasons in the league, the Leafs finished with a record above .500 just once and never sniffed postseason hockey.
Then, just after the 2012 NHL entry draft, general manager Brian Burke pulled the trigger on a deal that sent the former future of the franchise to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for winger James van Riemsdyk.
Chosen with the second overall pick the year before the Leafs traded up to fifth overall for …

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Author: Nick Richard / The Leafs Nation