With the NHL trade deadline approaching on March 7, the New York Rangers face a key decision regarding Ryan Lindgren and the future of their defense.
Lindgren, 27, is in the final year of his contract with a $4.5 million cap hit and will become an unrestricted free agent after the season. A longtime top-pair partner for Adam Fox and a gritty, heart-and-soul player, his future with the team remains uncertain. Concerns exist about how his physical playing style will hold up over time, and while he has rebounded from a rough start to the season after a preseason jaw injury, committing to him long-term at a high price is questionable.
Many expect the Rangers to part ways with Lindgren after the season. One potential solution would be promoting K’Andre Miller to the top pairing with Fox or using the team’s available cap space in the offseason to acquire a left-shot defenseman for the top four. Another option is shifting Braden Schneider to the left side and adding a cost-effective right-shot defenseman to replace him on the third pair.
In the short term, the Rangers must decide whether to trade Lindgren before the deadline or keep him as their own rental. If they plan to let him walk in free agency, trading him now for assets, such as a second-round pick, makes sense. However, moving him would create a significant hole in the defense, and internal replacements like Zac Jones are unlikely to be sufficient. The alternative would be acquiring a top-four defenseman with term remaining on his contract before moving Lindgren.
If the Rangers opt to keep Lindgren, general manager Chris Drury may still look to add a depth defenseman, potentially pushing Urho Vaakanainen into the extra defenseman role.
Potential Defense Options for the Rangers
- Carson Soucy (Canucks): A big (6’5”, 208 lbs) shutdown defenseman best suited for a second-pair role. He has one year left on a $3.3 million contract and plays a physical game.
- Jamie Oleksiak (Kraken): Another large (6’7”, 252 lbs) left-shot defenseman with strong defensive skills and penalty-killing ability. He has one more year on his $4.6 million deal.
- Connor Murphy (Blackhawks): A right-shot defenseman who could shift to the left if needed. A solid all-around player when healthy but has struggled with injuries. He carries a $4.4 million cap hit with one year left on his deal.
- Mario Ferraro (Sharks): A durable, physical left-shot defenseman who logs significant minutes. He has one year remaining on a $3.25 million contract.
- Bowen Byram (Sabres): A high-upside, 23-year-old left-shot defenseman who would be a long-term solution but would require a significant trade package. He’s also a pending RFA with arbitration rights.
- Brian Dumoulin (Ducks): A veteran two-time Stanley Cup champion who could be a short-term option for a second or third pair. He’s on an expiring contract.
- David Savard (Canadiens): A right-shot veteran on an expiring $3.5 million contract. He could play on the third pair if Schneider moves to the left side or serve as extra depth.
With the deadline fast approaching, the Rangers must decide whether to move Lindgren now or keep him for their playoff run while considering potential replacements.
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