Why the Ryan Lindgren trade made sense for the Rangers, and what we’re hearing could come next……
The New York Rangers recently traded defenseman Ryan Lindgren, forward Jimmy Vesey, and the rights to unsigned draft pick Hank Kempf to the Colorado Avalanche. In return, they acquired center Juuso Parssinen, veteran defenseman Calvin de Haan, and conditional second- and fourth-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft.
Lindgren and Vesey were both impending unrestricted free agents, and rather than risk losing them for no return in the offseason, General Manager Chris Drury opted to leverage their value ahead of the trade deadline. This move aligns with the Rangers’ long-term strategy of asset accumulation and future competitiveness, a philosophy embraced by the franchise since 2018.
Juuso Parssinen, a center who has previously attracted the Rangers’ interest, brings potential to bolster the team’s offensive depth. Calvin de Haan adds experience to the blue line, aiming to fill the void left by Lindgren’s departure. Despite these roster changes, the Rangers remain in the playoff hunt, currently tied for the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Looking ahead, the Rangers are reportedly considering additional moves before the trade deadline. Veteran winger Reilly Smith, who has had an underwhelming season, is a potential trade candidate. The team is expected to sit Smith in their upcoming game against the Nashville Predators to manage his roster status and avoid injury ahead of a possible trade.
These strategic decisions underscore the Rangers’ commitment to balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term success, as they navigate the complexities of the NHL trade landscape.
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