When the New York Rangers drafted Braden Schneider with the 19th pick of the 2020 draft, they felt they found a staple of their top four. Someone who would complement fellow young defenseman Adam Fox and provide stability on their blueline. However, entering his fifth season, Schneider has yet to come anywhere near these projections. Fans and the organization have begun to question whether Schneider can even be a solid NHL defenseman.
While Schneider has left a lot to be desired, he is getting his final opportunity to prove himself. With Fox being placed on long-term injured reserve with an upper-body injury, the Rangers have shuffled their defensive pairings.