The New York Rangers have extended qualifying offers to restricted free agent defenseman Braden Schneider and four other players, ensuring the team retains their rights ahead of a crucial period for potential trades and free agency. The offers were made prior to Monday's deadline.
In addition to Schneider, defenseman Scott Morrow, defenseman Vincent Iorio, and forward Pavel Dorofeyev also received qualifying offers. Dorofeyev was recently acquired by the Rangers and signed to a seven-year contract averaging approximately $11 million annually.
However, defenseman Hugo Ollas, defenseman Talyn Boyko, forward Brendan Brisson, and forward Massimo Rizzo were not extended qualifying offers. This means the Rangers will not retain the rights to these players, and they are set to become unrestricted free agents on Wednesday at noon.
Braden Schneider has been a subject of trade speculation leading up to the NHL draft and the start of free agency. Teams can acquire a player's rights and then negotiate a long-term deal. However, Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury is seeking comparable player assets in return for Schneider, according to reports.
William Trudeau, acquired last week in a trade with the Canadiens, also received an offer. Trudeau, a fourth-round pick in 2021, has yet to play in an NHL game. The trade also involved Brett Berard, a pending restricted free agent who also received a qualifying offer, providing Berard with an opportunity for a fresh start.
Morrow joined the Rangers organization as part of the return package for K’Andre Miller last year. He played in 29 games for the Rangers and recorded five goals and 19 points for their AHL affiliate, Hartford.
Iorio was claimed off waivers in late January but appeared in only six games, often serving as a healthy scratch during the latter part of the Rangers' recent season.