Sharks’ head coach Ryan Warsofsky (Image Credits: Imagn)

Sharks Eye Struggling Rangers Defenseman Ahead of Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Swati Bhatia | Last updated Jan 23, 2026 12:34 PM ET

The San Jose Sharks continue to push for a playoff spot and are exploring potential trade additions to strengthen their roster ahead of the March 6 deadline. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Sharks’ GM Mike Grier is looking to add a young talent to strengthen their blue line.

One name that is drawing interest is the New York Rangers’ defenseman Braden Schneider. The 24-year-old is set to become a restricted free agent this summer and has arbitration rights, making him an attractive option for teams looking for young, NHL-proven defensemen.

“Schneider is somebody on their radar,” Pagnotta said on the RINK RAP podcast. “Now, yeah, Schneider’s not having the best of seasons, but neither is the entire team, for the most part. So, can’t lay that exclusively on him, although it would be nice if he upped his performance, for sure. But this is a player San Jose had interest in, and poked around again, and we’ll see if it comes to something here whether before the Olympic break or before the trade deadline.”

The blueline is a priority for San Jose moving forward, as they are open to buying & selling. They’re listening on all their pending UFA dmen, while also searching for young NHL caliber talent. Believe there’s interest in #NYR D Braden Schneider, for example. #TheFutureIsTeal
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) January 21, 2026

Drafted 19th overall by the Rangers in 2020, Schneider has had a tough year. His numbers have dipped, and no Rangers player has been on the ice for more than five-on-five goals against this season.

Sharks Not Expected to Rush Trades Ahead of Olympic Break

Braden Schneider (Image Credits: Imagn)

Despite just two weeks remaining before the Olympic break, San Jose does not appear to be in a rush to make another trade. The Sharks already made a move on Monday by acquiring Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks, and Pagnotta reported that the team could wait until closer to the trade deadline before making any further additions.

If a deal comes together, Schneider could provide depth and stability on the back end during a playoff push while also giving the Sharks a potential long-term piece. Whether that happens before the Olympic break or closer to the deadline remains to be seen, but San Jose’s interest is very much in play.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: