Mathieu Schneider Available

Jason Botchford, beat writer for the Canucks, has tweeted that Vancouver defenseman Mathieu Schneider is being shopped around. Schneider, 40, is currently unhappy with his role and playing time on the Canucks. His cap hit is a prorated $2.75 million ($1.5 million base, $1.2 bonuses), but he is unlikely to attain these bonuses. His contract has games played bonuses for every 10 games played. Seeing as he has already missed 21 games this year, his cap hit is more likely around $1.85 million, prorated (assume roughly $1 million, it’s a nice round number), and he will be a UFA at the end of the season.

The Rangers, who are in desperate need of another defenseman, should at least kick the tires on this one. No, he’s not a physical defenseman, but hey, if Slats can find a way to dump Ales Kotalik (hypothetical, clearly won’t happen) on Vancouver in return, then it’s worth having a discussion. Considering the number of blue line free agents in the coming off season, shedding some salary may be a good thing.

Again, it’s worth kicking the tires.