Rangers need to work in Ryan Lindgren next season
On February 8th, the Rangers made a big splash when they wrote a letter to their fans announcing that the Rangers would be rebuilding.
A Message from Glen Sather and Jeff Gorton. pic.twitter.com/Q56CXS8vDc
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) February 8, 2018
This letter message was validated 17 and 18 days later, when the Rangers traded Rick Nash to Boston, and J.T. Miller, and Ryan McDonagh to Tampa. One of the assets which the Rangers acquired in return, was Ryan Lindgren who was drafted by Boston in 2016, 49th overall.
As this rebuild takes place, it is clear that Jeff Gorton is picking and choosing his players very carefully. He acquired Brett Howden, a prospect who is highly touted for his coachability, Libor Hajek, a defenseman whose WHL’s coach John Paddock praises as close to being NHL ready, and Ryan Lindgren, whose physicality is noticed on the ice, and whose leadership recognized in the locker room. Each player will eventually fill a vital role on a future Ranger team.
On March 22, the Rangers announced that they had signed Ryan Lindgren to a three-year entry-level contract worth approximately 1.1 million when signing and performance bonuses are factored in.
OFFICIAL: #NYR have agreed to terms with defenseman Ryan Lindgren on an entry-level contract.
Lindgren, 20, served as one of the University of Minnesota’s alternate captains this season while playing in 35 games with the Gophers. https://t.co/8EOZ55UFOw
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 22, 2018
This signing came after long time Minnesota Gopher coach Don Lucia was fired.
Editor’s Correction: Lucia stepped down
Ryan Lindgren captained the United States on the under seventeen and eighteen national teams, as well as serving as an alternate captain for the United States under twenty team this year.
USA Hockey
Ryan Lindgren fits the identity of the New York Rangers team. Lindgren is a swift skater, hard hitter, and proven leader. He will definitely be a staple on the Rangers blue-line in the future.
The Rangers have three games left in the season, and are currently in the process of assessing their youth. Earlier in the season, the Rangers called up defenseman Neal Pionk, John Gilmour, and Anthony DeAngelo. On March 25, the Rangers called up Filip Chytil and Lias Andersson.
Since being added to the Hartford Wolfpack Lindgren has netted one goal and one assist in three games.
Lindgren is on an ATO with Hartford, so he can’t be called up this year. The Rangers need to take a strong look and assess what they have in him and the young d-corp heading into next season.
Note: Michael Silvers @msilvers1979 provided some corrective info.
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