Mathieu Schneider, NHLPA part ways after 12 years

Former NHL defenseman Mathieu Schneider and the NHL Player’s Association have reportedly parted ways, according to Frank Seravalli. Schneider had been the second-in-command at the NHLPA and worked for them for the past 12 years. The move comes several months after former United States Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh took over as executive director of the NHLPA.

Schneider originally joined the NHLPA shortly after retiring from the NHL as a player. He began working there as a special assistant to then-executive director Don Fehr. He has not said publicly what he will be doing next in his career post hockey.

Schneider had a long and successful NHL career. He is among only eight NHL players who’s career spanned four decades. Among the other names on the list are NHL greats Gordie Howe (who played in five different decades), Patrick Marleau, Mark Messier, Chris Chelios, Adam Oates, Joe Sakic, and Teemu Selanne. He also holds the record for the most NHL games played by a Jewish player, ahead of Bryan Berard by 39.

Schneider played as a defenseman at a high level for over 20 years with an astonishing 10 different NHL teams. He played two stints with the Montreal Canadiens, first in the late 1980s and early 1990s, then at the end of his career for the 2008-09 season. He also played for the New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Atlanta Thrashers, Vancouver Canucks, and Phoenix Coyotes.

The New York native ranks 22nd in games played among defensemen in NHL history. Over his career, he accumulated 223 goals and 743 points in 1,289 games.