The New York Rangers have signed 22-year-old defenseman Braden Schneider to a two-year, $4.4 million contract extension. Schneider, who played all 82 regular-season games and all 16 playoff games in the 2023-24 season, has established himself as a reliable defenseman with five goals and 14 assists last season. He filled in admirably for injured captain Jacob Trouba, earning a spot in the top four defense rotation and showing potential for further growth. Originally the 19th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Schneider has appeared in 206 NHL games, tallying 12 goals and 36 assists. His performance has sparked speculation about his role in the upcoming season, potentially solidifying his position in the Rangers' top defense pairings.