Rangers and restricted free agent defenseman Braden Schneider agree on contract extension

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Rangers and up-and-coming defenseman Braden Schneider have agreed on a two-year, $4.4 million contract extension.

General manager Chris Drury announced the deal with the 22-year-old Schneider on Saturday, leaving fellow defenseman Ryan Lindgren as the only unsigned starter on defense. Lindgren has filed for arbitration.

FILE – New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider (4) skates during the third period of Game 1 of the NHL hockey Eastern Conference Stanley Cup playoff finals against the Florida Panthers, Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in New York. The New York Rangers and up-and-coming defenseman Braden Schneider have agreed on a two-year $4.4 million contract extension. General manager Chris Drury announced the deal with the 22-year-old Schneider on Saturday, , July 13, 2024, leaving fellow defenseman Ryan Lindgren as the only unsigned starter on defense. Lindgren has filed for arbitration.(AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, File)

The announcement came a day after New York added depth to the defense, re-signing veteran Chad Ruhwedel to a one-year deal.

Schneider had career highs last season in games played (82), assists (14), and points (19) and tied his career high with five goals. He ranked second among Rangers defensemen in hits (167) and blocked shots (133).

Schneider has 12 goals, 36 assists and a plus-13 rating in 206 career NHL games across parts of three seasons in New York. The Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, native was selected by New York with the 19th overall pick in the 2020 NHL draft.