The New York Rangers held their first scrimmage at Development Camp today and Braden Schneider wanted to impress.
Both GM Chris Drury and head coach Gerard Gallant were there to observe and saw Schneider deliver a big hit on fellow prospect Matthew Rempe. For some context, Rempe is a 6-8, 240 lbs center.
“I just want to show that I can play at the highest level,” Schneider, who comes in at 6-2, 210 lbs himself said. “I want to show what I got and show that I can play with the big boys.”
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Braden Schneider loves the physical side of the game
Schneider plays a physical brand of hockey. He was highly regarded by former GM Jeff Gorton, who admitted he tried to trade up several times to draft him and was ultimately successful. After making a deal with the Calgary Flames, the Blueshirts chose him 19th overall in the 2020 Draft.
“I like being strong on D side of things and I like being physical,” Schneider explained his preference of scrimmages instead of skill drills.
That style of play won him the WHL Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy as Defenseman of the Year with 27 points in 22 games. Schneider also won Gold with Team Canada at the World Championships under the guidance of current head coach Gerard Gallant.
“He’s an up and coming young player,” Gallant said about Schneider after winning Gold on SPUD FM. “He’s a big strong kid. He’s only 19 years of age, so he’s just a young kid. But I was aware of all the players there [Rangers on other teams] – I didn’t have the job then but I knew of them for sure.”
Schneider out there to improve every day
“This is my first camp. I am just trying to be as wide-eyed and open-eared as I can,” Schneider began to explain about his goals. “I want to be a lot better with the puck, be a little quicker, and keep it on a string.”
Schneider was briefly with the Wolf Pack last year before returning to the WHL after COVID delayed the start of the season. He noted that it was a valuable experience, in particular seeing how players carried and conducted themselves.
“My one goal is to get better everyday,” he said. “If I can take things day by day and see what I can do. If I can get a shot at the next level that’s great. Whatever happens I’m just looking to get better and progress my game everyday.”
The rugged defenseman with offensive upside has a future with the Rangers. This season, he’s likely destined to go join the Wolf Pack.
However, the right-handed rearguard will be knocking on the door soon and players like veteran Jacob Trouba could be looking over his shoulder next season.
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