The New York Rangers have avoided a salary arbitration hearing by agreeing to a one-year contract with restricted free agent defenseman Braden Schneider. The deal, worth $5.5 million, will keep Schneider with the team for the upcoming season.

Schneider, 24, was set to have his arbitration hearing later this month. He is coming off a two-year contract that had a $2.2 million cap hit. Last season, he posted two goals and 16 assists in 82 games, averaging a career-high 20:27 of ice time per contest.

Originally selected 19th overall by the Rangers in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Schneider is preparing for his sixth NHL season. While primarily recognized for his defensive capabilities, he has accumulated 87 points in 368 career games. Schneider will once again be an arbitration-eligible restricted free agent following the 2026-27 season.