The Winnipeg Jets have made two key acquisitions ahead of the trade deadline, bringing back fan-favourite forward Brandon Tanev from the Seattle Kraken and adding veteran defenceman Luke Schenn from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In exchange for Tanev, the Jets send a second-round pick to Seattle according to Elliotte Friedman of Hockey Night in Canada.
Brandon Tanev to Jets for a second-rounder
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 7, 2025
The Schenn deal sees Winnipeg send a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a fourth-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft to Pittsburgh.
Tanev returns to Winnipeg
Tanev, 32, started his NHL career with the Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2016, quickly becoming a fan favourite for his relentless energy and strong penalty-killing ability. The 6-foot, 189-pound forward has played 60 games with the Kraken this season, registering nine goals and eight assists.
Over his 533-game NHL career, Tanev has collected 175 points (83G, 92A) and boasts a +42 rating. He was a key piece of Winnipeg’s 2018 playoff run, tallying four goals and two assists in 17 games.
Following three seasons with the Jets, Tanev signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 before being selected by Seattle in the 2021 NHL Expansion Draft. Now, he returns to Winnipeg, where he will add speed, grit, and defensive reliability to the forward group.
Schenn strengthens the blue line
The Jets also bolstered their defence with the addition of Schenn, a 35-year-old veteran with over 1,000 NHL games played. Schenn has suited up for 61 games with Nashville this season, posting five points (1G, 4A) and 41 penalty minutes.
A former fifth-overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft, Schenn has played 1,057 career games across 17 seasons for eight teams, amassing 203 points (44G, 159A) and 848 penalty minutes. He brings a wealth of playoff experience, having won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.
Schenn was acquired by Pittsburgh from Nashville just one day prior in a separate trade before being flipped to Winnipeg.
Certified nail gun 😤😤😤 pic.twitter.com/JgbaNr7eMJ
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) March 7, 2025
Playoff push intensifies
With both moves, the Jets add a combination of toughness, experience, and defensive reliability as they gear up for a deep playoff run.
Tanev’s high-energy style and penalty-killing expertise should fit seamlessly into Winnipeg’s system, while Schenn provides a steady, physical presence on the back end.