I thought Mancini was good in pre-season and for the first part of the season with NYR and then his play tailed off a little bit, and he was average/good in the AHL.
A wild stretch to say he will be better than Schneider, who has 4 solid NHL seasons under his belt. And is only 8 months older than Mancini. Schneider is a significantly, significantly more valuable piece.
I dont disagree that Schneider is the more valuable piece now, and this is just based on my opinion from what ive seen of Schneider vs what i think Mancini can become.
I feel Schneider is very safe and reliable. Tough for sure. but i see everything he does , Mancini can do but the separating factor will be Mancini's skating and offensive instinct. I see Schneider as a stay at home Dman and Mancini as a 2way Dman.
My disappointment of not trading for Schneider is quickly going away each shift I watch Mancini play. but like you said tho, could just be adrenaline, and Mancini will have to show he can play this way consistently