NHL Free Agency: Saskatchewan’s Schwartz, Schenn join new clubs

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - MAY 14: Luke Schenn #5 of the Buffalo Sabres skates in warm-ups prior to the game against the Montreal Canadiens in Game Five of the Second Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at KeyBank Center on May 14, 2026 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images)

NHL free agency officially opened on July 1, as is tradition – and several Saskatchewan-born or Saskatchewan-connected players are on the move.

Jaden Schwartz - Centre

Wilcox’s Jaden Schwartz was the first Saskatchewan-born free agent signing of the day, joining the Colorado Avalanche after spending the last five seasons with the Seattle Kraken. Before that, Schwartz was a member of the St. Louis Blues where he won a Stanley Cup in 2019.

Schwartz’s new deal with the Avalanche is a three year contract with $3.25 million average annual value (AAV).

Luke Schenn – Defence

An established NHL veteran blueliner, Saskatoon’s Luke Schenn is again returning to the Vancouver Canucks on a one-year deal.

Schenn told TSN the reunion makes sense given he spends his offseasons in British Columbia.

“At the end of the day, I never ever did want to leave the Canucks, I enjoyed my time there, very familiar with the organization,” Schenn told TSN’s Bryan Hayes.

After his last run in Vancouver ended with a trade to the Maple Leafs in 2022-23, Schenn has since played for the Nashville Predators, the Winnipeg Jets and most recently with the Buffalo Sabres in a short stint.

Schenn has played in more than 1,100 NHL games over the course of his career.

Stuart Skinner – Goalie

While not born in Saskatchewan, former Swift Current Broncos goaltender Stuart Skinner was one of the most talked about signings of the day – heading to the Winnipeg Jets as trade rumours swirl surrounding Connor Hellebuyck.

“This does not mean a trade involving Hellebuyck is imminent. Decent insurance or backup for the Jets,” TSN’s Darren Dreger said.

Skinner finished off his major junior career with a WHL championship in Swift Current in 2018. Since then, he’s appeared in two Stanley Cup finals with his hometown Edmonton Oilers – both losses to the Florida Panthers – and most recently played a season with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Skinner’s two year deal with the Jets includes $3.75 million AAV.

Noah Gregor – Centre

As a former Moose Jaw Warrior and Prince Albert Raider, 27-year-old Noah Gregor is no stranger to the prairies, signing with the Winnipeg Jets on a one-year deal.

The Alberta product has spent time with several NHL and American Hockey League clubs since going pro, most recently with the Florida Panthers in the NHL and the Charlotte Checkers in the AHL.

Remaining free agents are able to sign with a team at anytime.

Saskatchewan also had a solid showing at the NHL entry draft.

The highest Saskatchewan-connected pick was Prince Albert Raiders defenceman Daxon Rudolph, who was selected at fourth overall by the Buffalo Sabres.

With files from TSN and Darrell Romuld