WATCH: Rangers’ Ryan Lindgren scores another beauty in summer league hockey game
With the shackles off and playing defense an option not a requirement, New York Rangers blueliner Ryan Lindgren is having some fun showing off his offensive talents this summer in Da Beauty League.
Lindgren was at it again Wednesday, collecting the puck at center ice and rushing forward for a breakaway goal, complete with a sweet backhand finish through the five-hole, in a summer hockey league game in Minnesota.
This flash of skill followed Lindgren’s goal in a game last week, when he sniped one bar down for Team Walser in the four-team Da Beauty League, which features 4-on-4 play and two 23-minute halves for local professional and collegiate players.
Oh, and did we mention that defense is optional? After winning their first game last week 15-9, Team Walser rallied for an 11-10 shootout win Wednesday. Lindgren also had an assist in the latest contest and has six points (two goals, four assists) in two games. The rugged 26-year-old has 80 points (10 goals, 70 assists) in 333 NHL games with the Rangers.
One can only imagine the damage Lindgren’s defense partner on Broadway, Adam Fox, could do in these summer league games. The former Norris Trophy winner as top NHL defenseman averaged a point per game last season (73 points in 72 games), and The Athletic this week listed his contract as one of the best in the NHL, stating the $9.5 million annual deal has a future value of $15 million based on Fox’s outstanding play.
Related: John Vanbiesbrouck shares what makes Rangers prospect Gabe Perreault so special
Rangers’ Jonny Brodzinski joins in on summer league fun
Lindgren was joined by Rangers teammate Jonny Brodzinski in the win Wednesday. Brodzinski picked up two assists, including the tying goal late in the second half by Boston Bruins forward Riley Tufte.
Brodzinski is gearing up to battle for a spot on New York’s opening-night roster. If no further changes are made, Brodzinski will be in the mix for a fourth-line role or as the 13th forward. The 31-year-old played an NHL career-high 57 games last season and finished with 19 points (six goals, 13 assists). He was scoreless in three Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Lindgren is still trying to work out a contract with the Rangers. The RFA defenseman has an August 2 salary arbitration hearing scheduled, and Arthur Staple of The Athletic reported this week that the sides are expected to agree to a one-year deal prior to that date.
If his next contract is not a multi-year deal, Lindgren will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2024-25 season.
More About:New York Rangers News
Read This Next
