Leo Roth

@leoroth

It was a trade made with one purpose in mind, one mutual goal: An attempt by two struggling American Hockey League clubs to shake things up.

As trades go, it was as large as the ice pack and bar bill at an Over 50 tournament. Seven players and a “future consideration’’ as the Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators reshuffled the decks in their minor-league systems.

Phil Varone, Jerome Leduc and Jason Akeson packed their sticks and went from the Rochester Americans to the Binghamton Senators as Cole Schneider, Michael Sdao, Erik O’Dell and Alexander Guptill came the other direction, probably waving on the Thruway.

So many names were involved, I think two Trailways buses were needed to complete the transaction last February 27.

Looking back, the trade failed to turn things around in either city; both teams finished at the bottom of the North Division. Most of the players involved are skating this season in places like the ECHL and Kontinental Hockey League.

But the two biggest names in the deal, Varone and Schneider, high-scoring AHL veterans who were in need of a change in scenery, are going strong. And to the delight of the Sabres organization and Amerks fans, Schneider is going way stronger at the moment.

Heading into Friday’s home game against Syracuse, Schneider ranks third in league scoring with 34 points coming on 14 goals and 20 assists with a plus-8 plus/minus figure. Verone is 6-13 – 19 and is minus-8.

Rochester coach Dan Lambert mentioned Schneider and Cal O’Reilly (7-24 – 31), who are 1-2 in scoring, and goaltender Linus Ullmark, who has started 26 of the team’s 33 games and is 13-12-1 with a .907 save percentage, as a trio that has “pretty much carried our team at certain points.’’

After enduring four- and six-game losing streaks the first half of the season, the Amerks (14-18-0-1) are 5-3 in their last eight and looking to find a spark of consistency in the new year.

Consistently using his size, speed and scoring touch on left wing has not been a problem for the 6-foot-1, 200-pound Schneider.

“I think we’ve seen how we can really play and we’re gaining some confidence and everyone is playing better,’’ said Schneider, who is coming off a six-point weekend as Rochester defeated Lehigh Valley and Utica. “We played our best 60 minutes against Lehigh last week and fought for another win against Utica, so I think we’re definitely going in the right direction.’’

West was definitely the right direction for Schneider.

He grew up in the Buffalo suburb of Williamsville playing youth hockey in Amherst and high school hockey for St. Joseph Collegiate Institute. Knowing the nomadic existence of professional hockey, Schneider wasn’t just elated to be given a chance to play for his hometown NHL organization, he was grateful.

“There are 30 teams in the league and you never know when it’s going to happen, but luckily I got back here,’’ said Schneider, his grin exposing a missing front tooth that screamed hockey player.

For an undrafted player, Cole Schneider is sure writing an inspirational script.

Newest Amerk Tim Kennedy a welcomed old face

After two seasons of junior play in the North American Hockey League for teams in Ohio and Kansas, where he registered 72 points in 71 games, Cole was off to the University of Connecticut where his exuberant style caught the eye of NHL scouts.

After a 33-point freshman season, he scored 23-22 – 45 as a sophomore in 2011-12 to establish school records. Sabres general manager Tim Murray, then an assistant GM in Ottawa, signed him and years later never forgot about him.

In Binghamton, Schneider was a steadily improving prospect in the power forward mold, producing 83 goals and 191 points over parts of five seasons. But he just couldn’t crack the big club’s lineup, and after 54 games last season, the trade went down.

In 19 games for Rochester, Schneider scored 14 points. He then bounded into this season like a newborn colt — at age 26.

“I was in Binghamton for a while and I think the fresh start gave me a bit of energy at the end of last year and I was excited to come into this season,’’ Schneider said. “A (trade) keeps you from being complacent and being able to see your family and friends more, that gives you some energy, too. It’s just exciting to play for your hometown team.’’

Schneider has earned six recall games to the Sabres (one assist), delighting his parents, Peter and Sally, who are regulars at Amerks games.

As for Lambert, he’s delighting in watching Schneider develop into a more complete player and team leader.

“I think we always knew he could score, but the biggest area he’s improved upon is his defensive responsibilities, getting the puck out, understanding (situational hockey),’’ Lambert said.

And while 26 isn’t young by pro hockey standards, it’s also not old, meaning there is time yet for Schneider to land that elusive NHL spot.

“Certainly, I don’t believe his kick at the can has passed. I truly don’t,’’ said Lambert, who enjoyed a 19-year pro career that included 614 games in the minors. “I believe there is growth in hockey players well into their late 20s so he has a lot of time to improve his game, and he’s doing that. Is he becoming a leader here? Yes, and it’s important to do that as a person. He’s becoming a pro before our eyes.’’

Keeping his emotions in check is one area Schneider said he’s gotten better at.

“I feel I’m helping the team more and as far as a leadership role goes, they tell me not to get frustrated because when I get frustrated, the younger guys can see that. I think I’ve been better at that lately,’’ he said.

Rand McNally doesn’t produce as many road maps as there are ways for hockey players to make it to the pros. Schneider’s advice to kids with such dreams is as old as vulcanized rubber.

“Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do it,’’ he said. “I wasn’t drafted but I was still able to work my way here, so other people can do it, too. There’s no set way to get here, just keep working hard.’’

Because one never knows which way the (trade) winds will blow.

Game night

What: Rochester Americans vs. Syracuse Crunch, AHL hockey. Crunch lead season series 5-1 but Amerks won last meeting 5-1 on Dec. 26.

When, where: 7:05 p.m. Friday, Blue Cross Arena at Community War Memorial.

Radio: 95.7 FM and 950AM.

Tickets: $12 to $26, arena box office and Ticketmaster.

Notes: Injured forward Hudson Fasching and defensemen Mac Bennett and Erik Burgdoerfer are practicing this week and could be available. Fasching started the year in Buffalo and suffered a groin injury. He has missed 23 games since being reassigned. … Rochester is 5-3 in its last eight games, averaging 28 shots and 3.4 goals.