Gerard Gallant on Braden Schneider: 'he wasn't b----ing about not being up here'

Gerard Gallant had high praise for sophomore defenseman Braden Schneider yesterday. The 21-year old suited up for 43 games last season, managing 11 points and another three in the playoffs. He displayed confidence in his physical game, taking after now-captain Jacob Trouba, when he crushed Jesper Boqvist of the rival New Jersey Devils:


Midway through prospects' camp, Gallant expressed strong belief in Schneider, paying him a grand compliment while simultaneously sending a message to other rookies in the system:




The Rangers recently traded one rookie -- Nils Lundkvist -- who vocalized displeasure with his standing in the organization's pecking order. Another, Vitaly Kravtsov, has expressed similar feelings in the past and even requested a trade at one point. Still, Kravtsov was given a chance to skate with Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck this week. Perhaps the two sides have a bright future together after all.

Gallant's old-school mentality has already molded the identity of his Rangers' group. They have transformed into a deadly group, both on the scoreboard and in the physical department, which is right up Gallant's alley.

With Gallant's praise of Schneider, clearly he was insinuating that other players -- Lundkvist and Kravtsov?-- should follow suit.

Model: JFresh, TDH