The San Jose Sharks are still in the thick of the playoff conversation, and with the March 6 trade deadline inching closer, they’re keeping their eyes open for ways to fortify the roster-especially on the blue line. One name that’s surfaced in their search: Braden Schneider of the New York Rangers.
At 24, Schneider checks a lot of boxes for a team like San Jose. He’s young, NHL-tested, and comes with some upside despite a down year. He’s also a pending restricted free agent with arbitration rights, which adds another layer of intrigue for teams looking to invest in a controllable defenseman who could potentially grow into a bigger role.
According to reports, Sharks GM Mike Grier has Schneider on his radar. And while Schneider hasn’t exactly lit it up this season-he’s struggled along with much of the Rangers' roster-he’s still viewed as a player with the kind of foundational skill set that could benefit from a change of scenery. San Jose has reportedly circled back on him recently, and while nothing appears imminent, the interest is real.
It’s no secret that the Sharks are walking a fine line between buying and selling. They’re listening on their pending UFA defensemen, but at the same time, they’re actively searching for young, NHL-ready talent to help shape the next phase of their rebuild.
Schneider fits that mold. He was the 19th overall pick back in 2020, and while his defensive metrics have taken a hit this season-no Rangers player has been on the ice for more five-on-five goals against-there’s still belief in his long-term value.
San Jose already made one move this week, acquiring Kiefer Sherwood from Vancouver, but there’s no urgency to pull the trigger on another deal just yet. With two weeks to go before the Olympic break, the front office appears content to let the market develop. But if the right opportunity presents itself-whether that’s before the break or closer to the deadline-the Sharks could pounce.
For now, Schneider remains a name to watch. He could bring some much-needed stability to a defensive group that’s still finding its identity, and if things click, he might even become a long-term piece of the puzzle in San Jose. The Sharks are clearly thinking about the future, and Schneider might just be part of it.