Three Stanley Cup Contenders Emerge As Frontrunners To Acquire New York Rangers Top Defenseman

Since the Rangers seem destined to miss the playoffs this season, they could end up moving pieces that aren't fitting into the lineup.

One of those pieces is Ryan Lindgren, who was signed to a one-year $4.5 million prove-it deal.

It seems as if, he's failed to prove to GM Chris Drury that he'd be a good long-term investment for the Rangers.

We've seen Drury move out Jacob Trouba, and Kaapo Kakko as players who didn't fit into his long-term vision of the team, and now Lindgren could be next.

But unlike Trouba, or Kakko he could find himself on a contending team in the NHL.

What three teams could find use for him?

With the Jets looking to improve their blueline ahead of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Lindgren could be a suitable option. Lindgren would be a perfect fit on the left to the Jets' defenseman, who was also a Ranger at one point in his career, Neal Pionk.

Lindgren could find work on special teams for the Jets penalty kill too.

While the Stars have added veteran talent Cody Ceci in a trade with the San Jose Sharks, they don't seem to be done yet. With top defenseman Miro Heiskanen out, the team could add some muscle on the blueline that is missing in Lindgren.

While he's not an offensively gifted defenseman, he could stabilize the blueline in tough situations.

Bill Zito loves hard-hitting defensemen, as a team who used to roster Radko Gudas. Now, with the left side needing help for the Panthers, they could utilize someone like Lindgren deep in a post-season run they could find themselves in once again under Paul Maurice.

All three options could yield a decent return for the Rangers, and give the defenseman a chance to play in the playoffs another year.