New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider linked with San Jose Sharks offseason NHL trade speculation

The latest NHL trade rumours have the San Jose Sharks once again linked to New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider. With San Jose expected to make defence a priority in the offseason, Schneider’s age, physical play and ability to shut down opponents make him a prominent target as the franchise pushes for playoff contention in the NHL seasons to come.The New York Rangers may have some tough roster decisions this offseason as they consider long-term salary cap flexibility and defensive depth. Braden Schneider is getting some buzz with a few NHL teams, including the San Jose Sharks, looking for a right-shot, penalty-killing capable top-four defenseman.The San Jose Sharks are exploring Braden Schneider trade scenarios as the organization needs immediate stability on the right side of its blue line. The Sharks had a tough time defensively during the recently concluded NHL season and are expected to make roster upgrades a big priority this offseason.Braden Schneider might be able to provide the San Jose Sharks with a reliable shutdown defenseman who can play tough defensive minutes. His physicality, shot blocking, and penalty killing would be a boost to a roster still coalescing around its younger core players.The 24-year-old New York Rangers blueliner was in all 82 regular-season games this season. He also scored two goals, 16 assists and 18 points and had more than 140 blocked shots and over 160 hits. Those are numbers that reflect a defensive reliability that NHL teams might like if they want to see toughness and consistency.The only reason the New York Rangers would be open to trading Braden Schneider is if the organization believes it would help create more roster flexibility or meet other lineup needs.From the Sharks’ point of view, getting a young D-man with NHL experience would fit the franchise’s rebuilding timeline. Schneider could fit right into the team’s top four defence, and also help younger players develop in a more competitive structure.The latest NHL trade rumours continue to connect the San Jose Sharks and New York Rangers, with the talk heating about defensive upgrades this offseason.