Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Toronto’s Retool Should Include This Rangers Defenseman

Originally posted on Inside The Rink
By Jeremy Ridgewell | Last updated Feb 27, 2026 8:00 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs are entering retool mode. With the NHL trade deadline less than a week away, they should look recoup some draft picks. Toronto should also try to acquire younger players and try to at least finish the season on a high note. It’s time to forget about this season and look forward to next season. A proper retool by Leafs GM Brad Treliving can give fans hope of contending for the Stanley Cup next season.

On February 24th, Sportsnet hockey insider Nick Kypreos released an updated trade board, and it shows what the market looks like post-Olympics. On that list is one player that Toronto should try to acquire. A player who can help them for years to come. That player is defenseman Braden Schneider from the New York Rangers.

Toronto Should Acquire Braden Schneider

Schneider was drafted 19th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. He hasn’t really lived up to the hype that surrounds a top-20 pick. A player chosen that high comes with high expectations. It appears that some in New York are running out of patience with the kid. However, there is a silver lining. Schneider is only 24 years old and still has plenty of time to become the type of defenseman Toronto needs.

The Leafs’ defense is old and needs to get younger. Age is not the only appealing thing about Schneider. He is also a right-handed shot, which is something almost every team is looking for. The 6’3, 206 Lbs. defender also plays the physical style that Treliving and head coach Craig Berube like. He is set to be a restricted free agent (RFA) this summer, which means the Leafs could still have him for several years before he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Schneider has registered two goals and nine assists for 11 points in 57 games for the Rangers this season. Despite having top-pairing minutes, his production has not been where the Rangers expected. He registered six goals and 15 assists for 21 points last season. Regarding his physicality, he is on pace to record his fourth season in a row with over 100 hits and blocked shots.

Schneider Changes the Leafs Dynamic

The Leafs could try to develop his game under their system and see if he performs better. He could easily be a top-four guy for the Leafs, but the ultimate goal is to develop him into a top-pairing guy.

Although the Leafs’ blueline has a few liabilities this season, acquiring Schneider could help change the dynamic. Something that might help the defense next season. He is also well disciplined. Schnider only has 16 penalty minutes on the season, as of Friday morning. Having a defenseman who can stay out of the penalty box is a bonus. However, once he becomes a Maple Leaf, that could change.

Adding Schneider is a smart move for a retooling team such as Toronto. Acquiring him will likely cost a prospect and a pick. However, it won’t be a first-round pick or a top prospect, which I think is fine with Leafs management.

https://feeds.simplecast.com/iWWhO4_4

This article first appeared on Inside The Rink and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: