Braden Schneider feels like he’s been in the NHL for a while, but he also feels like he’s just scratching the surface.
Both statements ring true for the 22-year-old defenseman who stepped onto the Rangers’ blue line as a rookie nearly two years ago and has appeared in all but three regular-season games and every playoff game for the club since then. are doing.
However, compared to the previous two seasons, this season was a special one.
One began with Schneider overcoming the first difficult period of a short but fulfilling career that ended with an increased workload with a top-four chance.
“The last few years have been up and down in the sense that we had different matchups and games, but I feel like I’ve grown a lot as a player this year,” Schneider told the Post before the Rangers’ final regular-season game. . against the Senators on Monday night at the Garden. “In the beginning, I wasn’t really happy with where I wanted to be and I knew I still had a lot of growing to do. Towards the end, I worked hard and wanted a little more. It definitely feels good knowing that I’ve earned the minutes and the role. I think I’ve got to keep doing that and keep riding that confidence.
“When I got the chance, [Jacob] Trueba came out and I think it really helped my game grow a lot. I think it gave me the confidence to know who I am and run with it. ”
Schneider may have been paired with K’Andre Miller for the first time before the All-Star break due to Trouba being suspended, then again suspended for 11 games due to an injury to the Rangers’ captain, but he was replaced by Canada’s Blues. Reiner skated in that spot for the second year in a row. Because Monday’s game is the best thing going for the Rangers right now.
Part of that is due to Trouba’s struggles since returning from injury, but Schneider has also more than fulfilled his role as a top-four player and earned his opportunity.
After adapting to head coach Peter Laviolette’s detailed system, Schneider regained a steady presence in the junior duo alongside Erik Gustafsson.
In addition to having five goals and 14 assists in Monday’s game, Schneider ranked second on the Rangers in blocks with 130.
In Schneider’s 258 minutes and 40 seconds of ice time with Miller, the two young Rangers defensemen were on the ice for 14 points and 14 rebounds, according to Natural Stat Trick.
The Rangers were 12-2 in games in which Schneider started next to Miller, though the numbers seemed more consistent than they suggested.
There’s a good chance Laviolette will start in Game 1 of the first round this weekend, reverting to the alignment the Rangers have used for most of the season, with Trueba to Miller’s right.
If the Rangers need a change or a shock in the playoffs, perhaps the combination of Miller and Schneider is an option for Laviolette.
Schneider will become a restricted free agent without arbitration rights when his entry-level contract expires this summer, but he will overcome personal adversity and challenges to finish the season and take the next step.
We may see a few more like it in the future.
But if this season is any indication, Schneider may be a better fit.
“I feel like I have more confidence in my abilities, the way I go into the game and what I can do to be effective every night,” Schneider said. “I mean, I feel like the last couple of games I wanted to make something happen. With or without the puck, you feel a lot more confident skating down the ice with the puck. I now have more confidence in bringing things to the net.
“I think offensively, jumping into plays and looking for someone to break out. I feel like we’ve really gotten a grip and figured out how we want to play.”
