Not long ago, Rangers fans expected defenseman Ryan Lindgren to sign a substantial contract extension.
Initially acquired by the Rangers during their rebuild, Lindgren wasn’t considered a top NHL prospect at the time.
Despite skepticism from some star players in the league, Lindgren has become a dependable top-four defenseman and penalty killer.
On Tuesday, the Rangers reportedly won a dispute over contract length with the gritty and frequently injured player, signing him to a one-year contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million.
In an unusual move for an NHL team, the Rangers gave Ryan Lindgren a one-year contract, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, in the prime of his career.
Earlier this offseason, the New York Post reported that Lindgren was seeking a deal of at least four years.
With a general manager who stated “nothing” was off the table after a six-game loss to eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida, the Rangers appear to prioritize roster flexibility over flashy moves.
Lindgren’s future with the Rangers now depends on more than just his performance. It could be influenced by the fate of three other players and how much space they occupy on the Rangers’ next cap sheet.
1. Igor Shesterkin, G
This is very likely the next significant move. The Rangers’ 28-year-old star goaltender is entering the final season of a bargain contract worth just under $5.7 million per year. Rumors this summer suggest that Shesterkin’s cap hit could easily double. He might end up earning over $12 million annually, making him the highest-paid goaltender in hockey.
2. K’Andre Miller, LHD
The Rangers’ big, speedy 6-foot-5 defenseman has impressed for a young, somewhat raw player in a position known for slow development. Miller looks comfortable in the NHL and has the potential to become even more impactful in the future. He has been used as a top defenseman in terms of minutes over the last two seasons at 5-on-5, scoring 51 of his 73 points in that situation, and is the team’s third most-utilized penalty killer among defensemen. Projecting his future performance is challenging due to mixed results in a crucial role. His floor is likely around $6 million per season on a long-term contract, but he could earn significantly more.
3. Alexis Lafreniere, RW
The Rangers’ former first overall pick had a breakout regular season and an exceptional playoff performance last year. Lafreniere scores the majority of his points at 5-on-5 and is emerging as a key playmaker on one of the best lines in hockey. Additionally, his underlying numbers have been impressive.
According to Natural Stat Trick, with Lafreniere on the ice at 5-on-5, the Rangers won 54.6 percent of high-danger chances and outscored opponents 50 to 45 when he played alongside Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck. With the salary cap rising quickly, an $8 million annual value might be possible for the young star.
Altogether, these three players could account for $27 million or more in cap space.
The question now is whether Lindgren is valuable enough to the locker room for anyone to take a discount.