Graduating three-year contract with Predators
Veteran defenseman Luke Shannon has had an impressive career in the NHL so far. However, he seems to have peaked at exactly the right time and has taken full advantage of it. he signed three year contract On July 1 in NHL free agency with the Nashville Predators.
It remains to be seen whether Shane can maintain the form he has found recently. He has experienced a lot of ups and downs throughout his time in the league. And that experience certainly cannot be underestimated when discussing this contract.
But as it stands now, is Shane a good fit for the poachers? And did the Predators do well by signing this contract? Let’s take a look at Luke Schenn’s three-year contract with the Nashville Predators in NHL free agency.
luke shannon history
Shannon entered the NHL with heavy fanfare. The Toronto Maple Leafs made him the fifth overall selection of the 2008 NHL Draft. He made his debut in the league that season, but things didn’t quite go as planned.
In 2012, the Maple Leafs decided to move on. Toronto traded Shannon to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for James van Riemsdyk. He played three and a half seasons with the Flyers before being traded to the Los Angeles Kings.
From there, he became a bit of a traveller. Shane had stops with the Arizona Coyotes, Anaheim Ducks, Vancouver Canucks, and Tampa Bay Lightning. The time spent with the Lightning yielded two Stanley Cup rings for the veteran defenseman.
Last summer, Shane returned to the Canucks in free agency. He put in an incredibly solid performance and emerged as a desirable trade deadline target. Things completely changed when the Canucks dealt the 33-year-old to the Maple Leafs in March.
Shane’s return to Toronto was far better than his first stint. He emerged as one of the team’s better options both on the blueline and in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Luke Shannon signs with Predators
For the first time since 2011, Schenn has earned a contract longer than two seasons. In addition, he earned a salary of over $1.25 million for the first time since 2016.
Any way you cut it, it’s a pretty good deal for Shane. And it’s incredible to see a player who had all the potential in the world finally find success. Even if that progress is coming late than many estimated.
Shane seems to have some sort of stability, and he has a home on Nashville’s third pairing. He had an impressive season in 2022-23 and has benefited as a result. You can’t hate on a player for doing that.
hunters sign luke shannon
As far as hunters go, this is a good signing. One thing to keep in mind with this contract is the wording. Three years has been an eye-opener for a 33-year-old defenceman. However, it’s the first year effect that is most interesting to me.
This contract appears to indicate a lack of organizational trust in Dante Fabro. The right-shot Fabbro, like Shane, is eight years younger and has signed up for another season. And after adding Shane, it’s hard to see where Fabro fits into the lineup.
In any event, Shane has the good presence to pair with at the lower level. He could get time in there with Jeremy Lauzon. Shane could also play solid minutes in a pinch on the second pair next to Ryan McDonagh.
Overall, it’s a solid signing even if a little surprising. It may be a slightly higher payout, but the long-term risk is significantly lower. If Fabro is traded before the season, it certainly means a little more to Nashville.
Grades and Final Thoughts
Luke Shannon earns high marks to capitalize on a stellar season. After a long and winding career, Shane gets a handsome salary at the end of his career. Like I said earlier, it’s hard to hate on a player in Shane’s position getting that type of contract.
For hunters, he received a slightly lower score. It is a good contribution from his side. However, Shane is no needle-mover, especially at this point in his career. In Nashville’s defense, they haven’t really needed to move the needle. They just need a reliable presence on the back end, and Shane provides that.
Luke Shannon Grade: A+
Nashville Predators Grade: B+
