Every day leading up to the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft on Tuesday, October 6, we will be profiling prospects who are likely to be in range of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ selection at #21. We will continue our player reviews of the forwards later in the week as well.
Braden Schneider
Position: Defenseman
Team: Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Date of Birth: September 20, 2001
Birthplace: Prince Albert, SK, CAN
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 209
Shoots: Right
Rankings
Ranked #34 by ELITEPROSPECTS.COM
Ranked #21 by FUTURE CONSIDERATIONS
Ranked #13 by ISS HOCKEY
Ranked #25 by TSN/CRAIG BUTTON
Ranked #15 by MCKEEN’S HOCKEY
Ranked #22 by NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING (NA Skaters)
Ranked #9 by CONSOLIDATED RANKING
Ranked #17 by TSN/McKenzie
2019-20 Stats
Games Played: 60
Goals: 7
Assists: 35
Points: 42
PIM: 42
The Blue Jackets have defense but they could probably use some more in the pipeline, right?
And it appears that Schneider provides a bit of a scoring touch which always bodes well for the Blue Jackets team that generates offense on the back end and fails to capitalize otherwise. Schneider spent the last two years in the WHL playing for the Brandon Wheat Kings where he served as alternate captain and nearly doubled his point total (24) from 2018-19.
Smaht Scouting lists Braydon Coburn of the Lightning as a favorable comparison as both players are intuitive defensive players and great skaters. Schneider is also physical and overall, reviews are solid on the future NHL pro.
Scouting Reports
“DISPLAYS A STRONG PRESENCE ON THE ICE. MAKES BIG HITS IN ALL THREE ZONES. STRONG ON HIS SKATES AND HARD TO KNOCK OFF THE PUCK. USED IN ALL SITUATIONS. LIKES TO JOIN THE RUSH USING DECEPTIVE SPEED. A COMPLETE PACKAGE ON THE BLUELINE WHO CAN CONTROL A GAME.” – NHL Central Scouting
“In his own zone, Schneider’s one of the better defensive defencemen in this draft. He uses his length and strength well off the rush, too, but his biggest asset is his ability to take away time and space in the defensive zone, close out the wall, win puck battles and advance the play back up ice with a quick outlet.” – Scott Wheeler, The Athletic
“Schneider is not just a player who excels without the puck though. He has a solid core skill-set when it comes to moving the puck the other way. He is a crisp passer who outlets well, and can also skate out of the zone if needed. Additionally, he can jump into the rush, and is a good judge of when to pinch on a play. He has a big slap-shot as well when he gets into position to unleash it.” – Smart Scouting
Highlights
An extensive highlight reel of Schneider: