Schade is a mobile defenseman who contributes in both the offensive and defensive zone. He is strong on his edges and has good acceleration, being able to stop and go effectively. He doesn’t have a fast top speed and does get beat in foot races sometimes, but has the ability to navigate his way through traffic and create an offensive zone entry by himself with control. He’s consistent at finding open teammates in the neutral zone and being able to make accurate passes to them to start breakouts from the defensive zone. He displays good patience with the puck, understanding when he needs to be conservative and wait an extra second for a passing lane or option to open up instead of forcing a pass that doesn’t have purpose and has a risk of being turned over. When he doesn’t see a passing option or skating lane he doesn’t overreact and just regroups to find new space and new options. He reads the play well and understands when he can join the offense and contribute on the rush. Has good puck-handling, but sometimes tries to make a deke to get past a defender and loses control. He is more productive when he chips the puck deep and retrieves it to set up play. He is an effective penalty killer, applying pressure and taking away space and time. He uses his stick efficiently to take away passing lanes and poke pucks away from opponents. At times he can be a little too aggressive with pinching, resulting in him being behind the play and having to backcheck to support an odd-man rush. He battles for the puck and competes hard along the boards, but struggles against bigger opponents. He does not back down against any opponent and will challenge anyone to battles, also being able to use his body effectively to make a solid hit. Has a heavy slap shot and an accurate wrist shot, but doesn’t use them too often. You’d like to see him shoot more.

– FCHockey’s 2021 NHL Draft Guide