The New York Rangers have a big decision to make regarding how they want to utilize Braden Schneider. 

Schneider has emerged as one of the Rangers’ most promising and valuable defensemen, making some tremendous strides in his game over the past couple of years.

From the 2023-24 season to the 2024-25 season, Schneider’s average ice time increased from 15:54 minutes to 17:52 minutes. 

The 23-year-old defenseman is clearly ready to take on a top-four role, but in order for him to fill that position, the Rangers will have to move him to the left side. 

If Adam Fox is paired alongside Vladislav Gavrikov, it would make the most logical sense to move Schneider to the left side, where he would play with Will Borgen. 

While Schneider is a right-handed defenseman, that doesn't mean he isn’t versatile.

This past season, Schneider played on the left side at certain points and seemed to be comfortable in that position. 

Schneider made clear during his exit interview that if moving to the left side would be the best course of action for the team, he would be more than happy to make the sacrifice and adapt.

“It’s something that I’m definitely not opposed to,” Schneider said on the possibility of moving to the left side. “I obviously never played it at this level until this year. I think playing it this year and getting that confidence at that side, it’s definitely something I would not be opposed to. I would be confident in my abilities and ready to accept that challenge for sure.”

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It’s all up to Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan to determine whether or not placing Schneider on the left side is the right move. 

It’s a possibility that seems more and more likely, so don’t be surprised if that’s what Sullivan ultimately decides to do.