The New York Rangers have secured their up-and-coming defenseman Braden Schneider for two more years with a $4.4 million contract extension. General manager Chris Drury made the announcement, finalizing the deal with the 22-year-old Schneider on Saturday. This leaves Ryan Lindgren as the only unsigned starting defenseman, as he has filed for arbitration.
Just a day before this contract extension, the Rangers added depth to their defense by re-signing veteran Chad Ruhwedel to a one-year deal. Schneider had an impressive season last year, with career highs in games played (82), assists (14), and points (19), while also tying his career high with five goals. He also ranked second among Rangers defensemen in hits (167) and blocked shots (133).
Throughout his 206 career NHL games over three seasons in New York, Schneider has accumulated 12 goals, 36 assists, and a plus-13 rating. The Prince Albert, Saskatchewan native was initially drafted by the Rangers with the 19th overall pick in the 2020 NHL draft.
This contract extension signifies the Rangers’ commitment to building a strong defensive core for the future. Schneider’s consistent performance and improvement over the years have made him a valuable asset to the team. With his skills and potential, the Rangers are looking forward to seeing him continue to grow and contribute to their success on the ice.
The addition of Schneider provides stability to the Rangers’ defense and allows them to focus on other areas of their team. His presence on the blue line brings a solid defensive presence and playmaking abilities that will be crucial for the team’s success in the upcoming seasons.
Overall, the contract extension for Braden Schneider is a positive development for the New York Rangers as they continue to strengthen their roster and build towards a competitive future in the NHL. Schneider’s dedication and performance on the ice have earned him this extension, and fans can look forward to seeing more of his contributions in the seasons to come.