New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury is now on the clock to find out how he can successfully "retool" the roster. Artemi Panarin is going to be the popular name on the trade block, as he is considered the best player to be made available before the March 6 trade deadline. But there is some uncertainty as to who else will be on the move to help the Rangers bring in more draft capital and younger, promising players.
Could a member of their defense be part of the exodus of talent? It appears that one team has interest in a specific blueliner. A surprise team that is in the Western Conference playoff picture.
The Fourth Period NHL insider David Pagnotta reported that the San Jose Sharks are looking to buy and sell when it comes to defense. Pagnotta says that he believes "there's interest" in Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider.
The blueline is a priority for San Jose moving forward, as they are open to buying & selling. They’re listening on all their pending UFA dmen, while also searching for young NHL caliber talent. Believe there’s interest in #NYR D Braden Schneider, for example. #TheFutureIsTeal
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) January 21, 2026
Sharks reportedly interested in Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider
The Sharks have been in or near the basement of the Western Conference in recent years. But this season, they have vastly improved and are a fun team to watch. Macklin Celebrini looks like the next big superstar in the NHL, and have some solid young players in Will Smith and William Eklund. They look like a team that could very well secure a playoff spot if they are able to keep it up.
San Jose does need help defensively, as they allow an average of 3.51 goals per game, which is the third-highest in the entire NHL. That isn't going to help them in their chase for a playoff spot. The Sharks can bank on outscoring the opposition, but they need more help along the blue line.
Schneider has taken on an expanded role with the Rangers this season, due in part to Adam Fox missing time due to injuries. He is averaging over 20 minutes a game, but he has a career-low -14 plus/minus ratio. Not to mention, he only has 10 points (two goals, eight assists).
Schneider is set to be a restricted free agent after this season, so a team that has interest in him would be able to negotiate a brand new contract. Schneider does possess upside, which could work in the Rangers' favor in terms of how much they could get back in return. A team like the Sharks, who may or may not make the playoffs, could possess some high draft picks at the end of this season or in the foreseeable future. It's something that Drury should be looking into.
The Rangers received interest from teams in the past for Schneider, but they were unwilling to part ways with the defenseman. Even in the trade talks for J.T. Miller last year, the Rangers refused to include Schneider in the trade package to the Vancouver Canucks.
Moving on from Schneider could be a tough pill for the Rangers to swallow, but if they truly want to get the most out of this "retool," they should be open to it. Especially if a team is willing to part ways with a significant trade package for the young defenseman.