Mathieu Schneider – Defenseman (1987-2010)
Mathieu Schneider was drafted in the 3rd round (44th overall) be the Montreal Canadiens in the 1987 NHL Draft.
Through 21 NHL seasons, Schneider played for the Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Atlanta Thrashers, Vancouver Canucks and Phoenix Coyotes.
Schneider was known as an offensive defenseman who was defensively reliable. His specialty was scoring goals from the point, and he lead all NHL defenseman in goal scoring during the 2005-06 season as a member of the Detroit Red Wings with 21 goals.
Mathieu Schneider was also a member of the 1993 Stanley Cup winning Montreal Canadiens along with the previously mentioned Vincent Damphousse. Schneider also won the World Cup of Hockey as a member of Team USA in 1996.
The first reason why I believe Mathieu Schneider should be in the Hockey Hall of Fame is because of his career statistics. He’s ranked 16th in NHL Career Goals by a Defenseman (223), 21st in NHL Career Points by a Defenseman (743) and 27th in NHL Career Assists by a Defenseman (520).
The second reason, is his strong international player as Schneider has been invited to represent the USA in the 1988 World Junior Championship, the 1996 World Cup, the 1998 Olympics and the 2006 Olympics.
Being invited to represent his country four times in world class events really says something about his play and has earned Mathieu Schneider a spot in the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.
Awards and Honours
6th in Norris trophy voting 2006
7th in Norris trophy voting 2004
14th in Norris trophy voting 2008
21st in Norris voting voting 2007
7th in Team All-Star voting 2004
7th in Team All-Star voting 2006
10th in Team All-Star voting 1994
12th in Team All-Star voting 2008
13th in Team All-Star voting 2003
28th in Team All-Star voting 2007
Played in two NHL All-Star Games
Stanley Cup Champion 1993
World Cup of Hockey Champion 1996
United States Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee 2015
International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Inductee 2014
Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Inductee 2003
Career Statistical Achievements
16th Most NHL Career Goals by a Defenseman (223)
21st Most NHL Career Points by a Defenseman (743)
27th Most NHL Career Assists by a Defenseman (520)
Seasonal Statistic Achievements
NHL Defensemen Goals Scoring Leader 2005-06 (21)
Top 10 in NHL Goals by a Defensemen for five seasons
Top 10 in NHL Points by a Defensemen for four seasons
International Play
Team USA 1988 World Junior Championship
Team USA 1996 World Cup of Hockey
Team USA 1998 Olympics
Team USA 2006 Olympics