In an offseason that has become about keeping their blue line together, the Rangers now have just one puzzle piece left to complete the picture.
Braden Schneider on Saturday became the latest player to re-sign with the Blueshirts, inking a two-year bridge deal for $4.4 million, The Post confirmed per an industry source.
SportsNet’s Elliotte Friedman was the first to report the deal.
The 22-year-old is likely to be on the second pair with K’Andre Miller next season, continuing a pairing that had success when together in 2023-24.
“I think this year, I feel like with the staff we got, I felt like I’ve learned a ton,” Schneider said at the team’s breakup day. “I feel like I’ve gained a ton of confidence. A great opportunity. I think I just gotta make sure I keep building on my game.
“There’s levels that I want to find still. There’s still a lot of growth and a lot of learning. I’m looking forward to getting there and coming back here and continuing to grow as a player.”
While Jacob Trouba’s $8 million annual salary for a likely third-pair role is an albatross for the Rangers to navigate around, the $2.2 million annual number for Schneider helps balance things out on the right side of their defense since the two players average a $5.1 million cap hit between them.
After a strong regular season compounded by a superb playoff run, Schneider looks set for his role to increase next season.
The bridge deal sets up the 22-year-old to go into restricted free agency again in two seasons, when — if his development continues on its current path — the Rangers will likely look to sign him to a longer-term extension.
For now, though, the focus turns to Ryan Lindgren, the last restricted free agent the Rangers need to re-sign this summer.
Lindgren, who filed for arbitration ahead of last week’s deadline, is projected by Evolving Hockey’s model to come in at six years with a $4.88 million annual cap hit — a deal the Rangers could fit under the salary cap, as PuckPedia projects them with approximately $5.1 million of space.
Retaining Lindgren — who is both Adam Fox’s left-hand man and groomsman — is now Item No. 1 on general manager Chris Drury’s agenda.
If Lindgren ultimately does go to arbitration, he can only be awarded a one or two-year contract, which gives the Rangers ample reason to settle before a hearing, which would be held between July 20 and Aug. 4.
“I love it here. It’s the best,” Lindgren said on breakup day. “I love the guys here. I love the city and how loyal the fans are, how much they care about us. I love being here and it’s definitely where I want to be.”
Assuming Lindgren is eventually re-signed, the only presumed change on the Rangers’ defense corps in 2024-25 would be an increased role for Zac Jones, who would likely slot into the left-hand side of the third pair after Erik Gustafsson signed with the Red Wings.
That, however, feels like a natural step forward for Jones, who has earned the chance to compete as an everyday player.
Getting Lindgren’s contract done, though, is a necessity.
“It’ll be up to Dru and my agent and see where it goes,” Lindgren said. “Definitely confident about the way they feel about me and the way I feel about being here.”
