NHL Insider links New York Rangers Top Defenseman To Unexpected Central Division Team
Photo credit: The Hockey Writers
The New York Rangers are 7th in the Metropolitan Division, with a mandate to make it into the 2025 playoffs. With an 18-20-2 record, they need to improve and fast. It looks like more moves are on the way as GM Chris Drury could ship Ryan Lindgren out soon.
The New York Rangers will seek to improve the lineup through a quick re-tool, as they have already shipped out Jacob Trouba, and Kaapo Kakko.
Now next to go, could be defenseman Ryan Lindgren who has typically been a top-pairing defenseman next to Adam Fox.
Yet this year, he's only scored 9 points(2 G, 7 A) with a -4 rating in 35 games. The Rangers can't afford to keep stacking losses upon losses, as the playoff picture could close if Drury doesn't find the magic formula soon.
Teams looking for a shutdown defenseman, and a rental could find use for Ryan Lindgren, as he's a pending UFA.
Lindgren is in the final year of his contract and is eligible to become a UFA this July. He's not expected to sign a new deal with the Rangers and the likelihood he's dealt by the deadline is considered high.
The Winnipeg Jets and GM Kevin Cheveldayoff are reported to be interested in the Rangers "warrior".
When looking at the Jets' blueline, Lindgren could be an outstanding addition to their second pairing with former Ranger Neal Pionk. In addition, due to his shutdown ability, he would be a clear option for the Jets' penalty kill if acquired.
GM Chris Drury and the Rangers signed Ryan Lindgren to a one-year "prove it" deal" and he's been unable to uphold, the now Faustian bargain.
His $4.2 Million AAV deal is set to expire at the end of the season and could benefit from a fresh start on a team like the Jets.
Could Head Coach Scott Arniel be the one to turn Lindgren's game around? The entire Rangers squad has quit on Peter Laviolette this season.
The Jets could use a "warrior" down the stretch when the playoffs get intense, and Lindgren finds his confidence again.
Will the Winnipeg Jets be the first one to try and acquire Lindgren from the Blueshirts?
It'd be a huge help if GM Chris Drury could get a haul of assets back in return.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 9 | 563 ANSWERS NHL Insider links New York Rangers Top Defenseman To Unexpected Central Division Team Do you think defenseman Ryan Lindgren could be traded to the Winnipeg Jets by GM Chris Drury of the New York Rangers? | ||
| Yes | 415 | 73.7 % |
| No | 148 | 26.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
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