With Adam Fox not in the lineup, Braden Schneider got the chance to play a bigger role for the New York Rangers in their 3-1 preseason loss to the New Jersey Devils on Thursday at Madison Square Garden.
The 24-year-old paired with Vladislav Gavrikov and logged 19:11 TOI, roughly two minutes more than he averaged over 80 games — largely on the third pair — with the Rangers last season. What stood out most was how involved Schneider was offensively, especially early in the game.
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When Schneider activates in the offensive zone, you can see how much skill the fifth-year pro has. He looked aggressive and confident, freed up to make plays. Not dissimilar to that electric OT goal he scored against the Minnesota Wild last season.
Schneider buzzed the Devils net on a first period shift. And early in the second, he was part of a 2-on-1 rush with Conor Sheary, whose left-wing snap shot was ultimately denied by Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom.
The Rangers had only one power-play opportunity all night, but Schneider had the chance to quarterback the second unit, likely a sign of things to come this season. Fox is their PP1 quarterback, though rookie Scott Morrow looked the part filling that role with Fox a healthy scratch Thursday. But assuming Morrow begins the season in the minors, that job running point for PP2 likely belongs to Schneider.
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Playing through a torn labrum — since surgically repaired — last season, Schneider established career highs with six goals and 21 points. As much as we focus on his Baby Trouba traits as a physical defenseman, Schneider’s got plenty more to give on the offensive side of the puck, too.
Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said earlier in camp that Schneider is one of their four best defenseman, though he may not play in the top four. Sullivan plans on getting Schneider more minutes on special teams and move him up as needed 5v5.
For now, it appears he’ll start the season on a third pair with Urho Vaakanainen. But here’s hoping Schneider provided a glimpse into his total package Thursday night.
New York Rangers news and analysis
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Here are our key Rangers takeaways from the 3-1 preseason loss to the Devils on Thursday.
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Breaking down the Rangers’ “balancing act” when it comes to deciding next steps for the kids, who are knocking at the NHL door.
We took a look ahead at the start of the 2025-26 season, and found out that the Rangers are going to be very busy in the month of October.
ICYMI: our Alan Selavka previews what to expect from seven Rangers prospects playing NCAA hockey this season.
NHL news and rumors
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Sportsnet: The Anaheim Ducks signed defenseman Jackson LaCombe to the richest deal in franchise history, eight years and $72 million total.
ESPN: The Calgary Flames extended coach Ryan Huska’s contract two years, through the 2027-28 season.
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NHL.com: In an informal poll of his contemporaries, Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho was selected as the most underrated player in the League.
Daily Faceoff: Jonathan Toews is day to day with an unspecified injury after the Winnipeg Jets veteran “tweaked something” in a preseson game Wednesday.
Daily Faceoff: The Tampa Bay Lightning claimed goalie Pheonix Copley off waivers from the LOs Angeles Kings.
Sportsnet: Brandon Hagel of the Lightning sustained an undisclosed injury after the forward was checked from behind by A.J. Greer of the Florida Panthers in a preseason game Thursday.
Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers extended former Rangers defenseman Niko Mikkola for eight years and $40 million.
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Canucks Army: Former Rangers first-round pick Vitali Kravtsov was placed on waivers by the Vancouver Canucks.
Daily Faceoff: Calum Ritchie is day to day after the center sustained a lower-body injury and left the Islanders’ preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins placed forward Danton Heinan on waivers, along with former Islanders defenseman Sebastian Aho (the other one).
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