Islanders Draft Watch: Luke Schenn

Each week, from now until the Draft, I will be profiling a new prospect from the Draft Pool and analyzing how their skills might or might not make them a good fit for the New York Islanders.

Luke Schenn-D-6′3, 209 lbs.-Shoots Right

Luke Schenn is a tough-as-nail defenseman who may be the most physical player available in the upcoming draft. He plays with a snarl and is unafraid to take contact in order to dish out punishment. He is a strong skater and has excellent puck control ability. Schenn is a versatile player, able to be utilized on both the PP and the PK. There some concerns about his offensive upside, though.

How he’d help: The Islanders have a dearth of hard hitting d-men as only Brendan Witt and Andy Sutton would qualify for that designation. Schenn’s apparent shutdown abilities would be a boost to G Rick Dipietro and a little added muscle in a division where a team faces the Flyers, Penguins and Rangers regularly certainly wouldn’t be a bad thing. However, offense is what this team lacks the most, so unless it is believed that Schenn can contribute effectively in that area, I could see New York passing on him.