Defenseman Braden Schneider reached an agreement on a one-year contract Monday to continue his career with the New York Rangers, steering clear of what would have been an arbitration hearing.
While the Rangers kept the financial terms private, both The Athletic and the New York Post reported the deal is valued at $5.5 million. According to those reports, Schneider had an arbitration hearing set for July 29. He will enter next offseason as a restricted free agent and will still hold his arbitration rights.
The 24-year-old had an impressive campaign last season, suiting up for all 82 regular season games and recording 18 points, including two goals and 16 assists. He topped the Rangers in blocked shots with 140 and ranked third on the team with 163 hits. Schneider was one of just three NHL players in 2025-26 to reach both the 160-hit and 140-blocked-shot thresholds. The Prince Albert, Saskatchewan native also set a personal best in average ice time, logging 20 minutes and 27 seconds per game.
Originally drafted 19th overall by New York in the 2020 NHL Draft, Schneider made his NHL debut in January 2022. Over 368 regular season games, he has put up 87 points on 20 goals and 67 assists. In 43 playoff appearances, he has added six points, consisting of one goal and five assists.
