Braden Schneider was selected 19th overall by the New York Rangers. Jeff D'Andrea/paNOW Staff

By Jeff D'Andrea

P.A.’s Schneider headed to the Big Apple

Oct 6, 2020 | 8:24 PM

In both of the hockey drafts that Braden Schneider has been a part of, the team that ended up picking him traded up in the draft–just to be sure they wouldn’t be playing against the rugged defenceman.

In the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft, the Brandon Wheat Kings famously traded up to 12^th overall pick to select Schneider—one pick before his hometown Prince Albert Raiders had their chance.

The New York Rangers did the same thing in Tuesday’s NHL Entry Draft. They acquired the 19^th overall pick from the Calgary Flames to take Schneider. The Rangers sent the 22^nd and 72^nd overall picks to the Flames to make the deal.

When asked about if there’s added pressure about the Rangers trading up to get him, Schneider said he didn’t think so.

“I don’t see it as pressure. I think it’s exciting,” Schneider said in a Zoom press conference. “It shows that I left a good impression on them and that they think I’m a guy that can help their organization. I’ll give my best effort every day to them and they got my everything.

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“I’m looking forward to the pressure. I think it’s going to be a special moment to finally get there.”

Schneider scored 42 points in 60 games with the Brandon Wheat Kings this season. He’s also been the Wheat Kings’ assistant captain for the past two seasons.

Schneider is just the fourth player from Prince Albert to be selected in the first round of the NHL Entry Draft.

He’s the first since Ryan Parent, who was born in Prince Albert before moving to Sioux Lookout, Ont., went to the Nashville Predators in the 2005 draft. Denis Pederson was selected 13^th overall in 1993 to the New Jersey Devils. Dave Manson was the first, going 11^th overall to the Chicago Blackhawks in 1985.

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW