St. Louis Blues: Brayden Schenn is still highly valued

At 32 years old, Brayden Schenn's remarkable career is reaching its conclusion soon.

Despite being past his prime, he won a Cup in 2019 and was an All-Star in 2018.

Drafted as the fifth overall selection in the 2009 draft, Schenn has played for the Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, and St. Louis Blues.

With his time in St. Louis exceeding his years in Philadelphia, Schenn has gained popularity as a trusted veteran under coach Drew Bannister.

Has Brayden Schenn lived up to his expectations?

In both 2017-18 and 2022-23, Schenn tallied 70 and 65 points, respectively, with the Blues. He's remained relatively healthy, playing in the majority of games each season.

This year's decrease of 19 points is a concern but not an obstacle he can't overcome.

First, Schenn isn't going to be the leading scorer, as his resume centers around his ability to position other skaters to score. However, if Schenn can score 20-plus goals, he would add significant value to any roster he's on.

Schenn's other tangibles, such as his veteran leadership, consistency, and ice IQ, make him a great player for any NHL roster.

He's a tough hockey player. In 2023-24, he recorded 169 hits, which ranked second on the team. As a fan favorite, Schenn has taken on the role of captain to mentor Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou.

While some fans might expect more All-Star appearances for a fifth overall selection, Schenn performed well and played a monumental role in the 2018-19 season in which the Blues won a Cup.

That year, Schenn played 26 playoff games, scoring 5 goals and recording 7 assists to finish with 12 points.

During his most recent postseason run, Schenn scored 8 points in 2021-22.

Like goaltender Jordan Binnington, Schenn is itching for a playoff return. Schenn signed a large eight-year deal in 2019 and is under contract until 2027-28. By then, he'll be 36 years old, with the hope from GM Doug Armstrong that he retires a member of the St. Louis Blues.

Schenn's story isn't over yet. He is at an age where he can establish his legacy in St. Louis and is taking on a captain role that may exceed expectations.

With few holdovers left from the 2019 Cup win, Schenn can serve as a veteran for the years to come, assisting newcomers and prospects in learning what it takes to win it all.

The Blues' chances of making the playoffs could significantly improve if Schenn replicates his performance from last year. While he may not have star status, he is a formidable opponent and a veteran voice for a team yearning for a distinct identity.