Rangers’ Schneider Reflects on Growth Amid Challenging Season

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Braden Schneider, a defenseman for the New York Rangers, is reflecting on a challenging NHL season and the growth he has experienced as a player. With just seven regular-season games remaining, Schneider has set new career highs in goals and points, and he credits adaptability as key to his development.

Schneider’s journey this season has been significantly shaped by the tumultuous changes within the team, including the recent trades of Jacob Trouba and Ryan Lindgren. Despite these challenges, Schneider has embraced his evolving role on the ice. “This year has definitely taught me that you need to adapt,” Schneider told The Post after practice on Friday. “You have to try to figure out where you can help your team and find those wins — whether it’s on the defensive side of things or joining the rush and creating offensively.”

His most recent goal came against the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, marking his sixth of the season and pushing his point total to a career-high of 20. This goal, along with another against the Philadelphia Flyers, highlighted Schneider’s evolution as he reflected on a past version of himself who may not have pursued such plays. “I wouldn’t have attacked the middle of the ice and wouldn’t have taken the puck to the net,” he explained.

Schneider’s increased aggressiveness comes as the Rangers struggle to maintain their performance this season. The team’s recent slump has placed them on the brink of elimination from playoff contention, stirring discussions about head coach Peter Laviolette‘s future. Despite the team dynamics, Schneider believes he is on the right path to further establishing himself.

According to statistics from Natural Stat Trick, Schneider has adjusted to facing various challenges throughout the season, including pairing with 12 different defensive partners. This has taught him how to balance defensive responsibilities while also seeking offensive opportunities. “It’s definitely been an up-and-down season,” he said. “I feel like I’ve definitely learned the most from this season.”

As Schneider approaches the offseason with one more year left on his existing contract before becoming a restricted free agent, he is positioned as a crucial piece of the Rangers’ future. Head coach Laviolette has praised his performance, emphasizing Schneider’s consistency as a two-way defenseman who seeks to make an impact. With five of the six defensemen who skated in their top pairs signed through at least next season, Schneider’s role is becoming increasingly vital as the team recalibrates.

Overall, this season’s challenges have not diminished Schneider’s outlook. Instead, he looks forward to using the lessons learned as he aims to continue building on this year’s successes in future seasons.