As a late September birthday, Schneider will be one of the oldest players available in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, and to match his older age, he's of a bigger size and strength listed as 209lbs. Schneider has played three full seasons with the Brandon Wheat Kings in the Western Hockey League, and while this year's draft heavily favors forwards, this defenseman has plenty of upside to consider.
His 6'2 frame may sound like a hindrance when it comes to skating, but in fact, he carries himself well and is a smooth skater and fits the mold of a two-way, steady defenseman. He has picked up points over his years in the Canadian Hockey League, but he relies more on his ability to stop plays with his big body and strong skating. Being strong on his skates, and noted speed and acceleration as important markers, makes Schneider complete a solid 200-foot game. It's an asset that was used by Team Canada at the 2020 World Junior Championship, where he suited up in eight games and had two goals and an assist for the gold medal-winning team.
Look for Schneider to be one of those players who can skate up the ice and make crisp passes from the neutral zone and has the smarts to know when to or not join the rush. More often than not it will be Schneider who skates away with the puck from a board battle, his weight and frame a tough thing to handle in junior hockey.
Schneider has been the alternate captain of the Wheat Kings for the last two seasons.
Schneider cracked the Top 10 on NHL Central Scouting's North American skaters list, coming in at number nine.
