While the Red Wings are a team that tries to protect all its assets, even if it means sending youngster like Darren Helm down to Grand Rapids, the Maple Leafs are a team that is throwing an 18-year-old Luke Schenn in the lineup tonight on its top defense pairing with Tomas Kaberle.

The fifth overall pick in this summer's draft, Schenn might stay with the Maple Leafs all season, or he might be sent back to his junior team, the Kelowna Rockets, before his NHL career goes beyond nine regular-season games. (If a junior-eligible player plays nine or fewer NHL games, the clock on his NHL career doesn't start.)

"I'm definitely very excited," said Schenn after the morning skate. "It's something you work your whole life for, to get in the NHL. I'm excited. It's a dream come true. ... They're the defending champs and they've got a good team over there. I've got to keep things simple and hopefully I'll get more comfortable after I get a couple of shifts under my belt."

And what does a coach say to an 18-year-old who's going up against the defending Cup champions?

"Nothing," said Ron Wilson. "Just play a game, another game. Just the first step in what will be a great career. He's just got to relax and play. He's going to be nervous, no doubt. But as soon as he gets involved, he'll forget about all that."