Braden Schneider
Alexis Lafreniere drew a lot of attention in recent weeks, but the Rangers second first round pcik in 2020 was equally as impressive in the defensive zone.
Braden Schneider played 16 games with K'Andre Miller in the Rangers top-four during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, taking a major step in his young career.
He was on the ice for 7 goals against when paired with Miller, the Rangers scoring four goals with Schneider on the ice (Natural Stattrick).
With Jacob Trouba's struggles and Ryan Lindgren's contract negotiations on the horizon, comfortably skating Schneider in the top-four was a massive step for the 22-year-old rearguard.
It also is a relief for the organization, which may move on from two of the team's most physical players and veteran defenders. With uncertainty ahead, there is certainty that Schneider can play a bigger role in 2024-2025. About Lafreniere...