Braden Schneider

Big strong defender who has some nasty sprinkled on top. Will never be mistaken for a new age defenseman, he does make smart decisions as an attacker on both the power play and even strength. This big man is good in his pivots, an excellent puck mover, and a crisp passer in transition. He has no qualms about jumping into the play, but he makes the most impact as a devasting checker and smart defensive zone player who has an active stick that disrupts the passing lanes.Is smart and strong in te neutral zone but absolutely at home in his defensiev zone. Is developing some offensive upside which might dispel the opinion that he is a big mobile stay at home defender and just that. Schnieder’s was a stay at home defender, but was then asked to carry a bigger load offensively and he has stepped up in his offensive game with aggressive carries on odd man breaks and use of his big shot. nd at this point, Braden Schneider hasn't worked out the best option part of his puck possessions in the attack zone, so he has to read and build better vision to be in tune with the on-ice give and takes that occur instantaneously. Far from a finished product, but there is plenty there to work with. He can one hand push the defender out of the play, cross body check him, or physically rock him to make a play and does.He still lands his big hits, and is noticeable in his quickness in defensive zone retrivals by way of simple transition plays out. Far from a finished product, but there is plenty there to work with. He can one hand push the defender out of the play, cross body check him, or physically rock him to make a play and does. There is a calm reserve that tempers his aggression, in the same way the in his prime Brent Seabrook took care of business. Stays inside the rules and handles his business. Schnieder's physicality and aggression is of the vintage Brent Seabrook type, where it isn't as overt when he exerts it. 

--Bill Placzek--