Sorry to hear about your damage. Daphnes (I assume you're talking D. odora) here tend to have a finite lifespan anyway, being susceptible to many bacterial diseases, and my heavy clay soil doesn't help, so I have to replace mine every few years or so. Still, I wouldn't be without one, if I could help it. I have rooted semi-ripe cuttings before, but never hardwood at this time of year. On the other hand, you've nothing to lose, and it may work out for you, so give it a shot. It's also possible that the plant will resprout from the base - it's amazing sometimes how many invisible adventitious buds there are on certain kinds of plants. I'd cut away the broken branches, leave the rest alone, and hope for the best.

Can't answer your snow question fully - we don't get much, either, and it's usually gone so quickly that it does little damage to plants. When I visit family in PA I notice that snow is piled against curbs, etc., but they landscape to provide for that; the shrubs they use are adapted for carrying loads of snow in winter. Daphne odora wouldn't be hardy in most areas with lots of snow cover, anyway, or would be planted away from areas where it might be piled up on top of the plant.