Way too early trade targets for Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Ryan Lindgren has been a key part of the New York Rangers’ defense since the start of the 2019-20 season and has made an important contribution at times.

But despite their recent success, it may be time to change their line on Lindgren.

For one thing, the Rangers’ defense has become a problem, and Lindgren is at the top of the list of reasons why.

After Saturday’s 6-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, the Rangers have some of the worst team-wide defensive numbers in the league. They rank 26th in the league in scoring chances per 60 minutes, 27th in high danger scoring chances per 60 minutes, and 27th in expected goals against per 60 minutes (all numbers via Natural Stat Trick).

The goalkeeping of Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick is again the key factor in their not allowing goals.

It’s working for now, and they could still have enough goaltending and offense to win a lot of games in the regular season.

But recent history suggests that this recipe for a Stanley Cup championship, which should be the sole goal and expectation of where the Rangers currently stand, may not be sustainable.

To get there, it may be time for some changes. Lindgren could be one they could make.

He is in the final year of his contract with a $4.5 million salary cap hit, and while he still has some defensive value, the Rangers need to do more to mobilize their defense and shift the emphasis to moving the puck place. He could still be a trade asset, salary cap space could be better utilized, and they need to do more to create a permanent lineup spot for a young player like Zac Jones.

So let’s look at some possible landing spots for Lindgren if the Rangers decide – or attempt – to change their defense.