New York Rangers sign 2020 first-round pick Braden Schneider

The New York Rangers have signed Braden Schneider to an entry-level contract, inking the top draft pick to a deal that will begin in the 2021-22 season. Starting in March, teams were allowed to sign draft picks to deals that begin next season, and the Rangers have acted quickly to get their defensive star prospect in the system.

Schneider, 19, actually already played two games with the Hartford Wolf Pack while on a tryout agreement, recording his first professional point. He’ll now head back to the WHL where his Brandon Wheat Kings are preparing to start the season later this month.

The hard-hitting defenseman was the 19th overall pick in the 2020 draft and registered 42 points in 60 games for the Wheat Kings last season. In the shortened junior season he’ll be able to continue his development with big minutes and a big role on both special teams, where he can hone his offensive game even further.