The New York Rangers reset their defense this offseason. The team brought in Sean Durzi from the Utah Mammoth in the Vincent Trocheck trade and Marcus Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks. Now, the top four heading into next season was set with these two new additions, Adam Fox, and Vladislav Gavrikov.
One name that was pushed down the depth chart was Braden Schneider, who was envisioned to be a long-term, top four option for them. There was uncertainty surrounding Schneider for the past year, as he was consistently the subject of trade rumors, but stayed put. He was a restricted free agent this offseason and set for an arbitration hearing.
On Monday, however, the Rangers and Schneider reached a settlement, agreeing to a $5.5 million salary for the upcoming season. From there, he will hit restricted free agency again. Even with this solution, that doesn't mean Schneider is a lock to remain with the Rangers for the foreseeable future.
Braden Schneider trade possibly still on table despite salary agreement for 2026-27 season
The Athletic's Vincent Mercogliano mentioned in his article covering the Schneider contract agreement that it is still possible that a trade could happen. However, the Will Borgen trade to the Boston Bruins may have secured Schneider a bit more security on the roster in a third pairing role.
"It’s possible a trade could still happen, especially if teams value Schneider’s newfound contract certainty," said Mercogliano. "But the decision to trade Borgen instead is viewed as a signal that New York is content to hold its 2020 first-round pick and hope for improved performance in a less demanding role."
Mercogliano mentions that in return for Schneider, they have been seeking a young, top-nine forward. Obviously, the Rangers never got an offer they deemed was good enough to trade Schneider elsewhere.
Schneider was linked to the San Jose Sharks for most of the calendar year, but nothing ever came to fruition. Besides, the Sharks added to theiir defensive core with Jacob Trouba, Darnell Nurse, and Keaton Verhoeff.
While it does seem like it's absurd to pay over $5 million for a third pairing defenseman, he does have some upside. As compared to Borgen, who disappointed at $4.1 million on the third pairing. But it will be up to Schneider to step his game up, as more proven veterans are undoubtedly going to be in the top four. With Schneider, it's likely he could pair alongside Matthew Robertson, or fifth-overall draft pick Alberts Smits if the Rangers are willing to let him start in the pros immediately out of training camp.
Even with all of the additions the Rangers made this offseason, it's stll not a lock that they could make the playoffs next season. If they do fall out of position like they did last year, don't be surprised if they begin trading players by the deadline. If that is the case again, Schneider could be a player that could get them a decent return, especially if his play iproves in a reduced role.
While Schneider's salary is locked in, it's still possible he could be dealt if the Rangers get a good enough offer.
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