The NHL trade deadline is fast approaching, and the drama surrounding it has already sparked major upheaval. With just four days left until March 7, three significant trades have already taken place on March 1. Ryan Lindgren is heading to the Colorado Avalanche, Gustav Nyquist has been traded to the Minnesota Wild, and Seth Jones is now with the Florida Panthers. Talk about a shake-up!

But let’s set the record straight. The New York Rangers have traded one of their heart and soul players, Ryan Lindgren, to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Juuso Parssinen—a player the Rangers have had their eyes on for some time. However, parting ways with Lindgren has been tough for both the team and its members, as he spent seven dedicated years with the franchise, leaving his mark as a top-tier left-shot defenseman. Playing 19 to 20 minutes per game over the last three seasons, Lindgren was a dependable presence on the ice.

According to Peter Baugh’s post on X, Lindgren talked to reporters in Colorado about his emotions on the sudden trade news. Lindgren said, “It definitely was up and down. There was a lot of stuff going on. It’s nice to just come here and move on. It’s a new chapter here.” hinting at the Rangers’ situation.

The Rangers’ situation? You may ask. The New York Rangers are struggling with their defense and are making significant roster changes, trying to improve their strategic position. They are four points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the second wild-card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. When Lindgren said, “It’s an up-and-down season for New York this year, a tough one. Is it nice to come out here and maybe put that behind you and just focus on a new team, getting in the playoffs, doing some damage? Yeah, New York definitely was up and down,” he was dead beat serious.

Speaking of a new place, Lindgren mentioned in passing the Aves and their players. He talked about Nathan Mckinnon and Cale Makar—two big names for the Colorado Avalanche, and his excitement to be able to share the locker room with them. He said, “Obviously they’re unbelievable players. I’ve played against them a couple times, but yeah, to be out there and practice, and just see how hard they work, and you see they stay after practice, and they’re always working on their games, and that’s why they’re two of the best players in the world.” However, we’re more concerned with how the Rangers will cope without Lindgren’s defensive presence! 

New York Rangers have not found their replacement! 

The New York Rangers have traded their top four defensemen, Lindgren, along with their left wing forward, Jimmy Vesey. The team’s general manager, Chris Dury, took this decision to restructure the team’s roster. His focus was on a long-term team building for the Rangers rather than immediate playoff contention. Now will they bring in Parssinen and Calvin Di Haan—experienced NHL players, to jump into the defensive rotation right away? If so, will they be able to fill Lindgren’s shoes entirely?

Even though losing Lindgren would hurt the Rangers’ defense, adding veteran Calvin de Haan might help. He may not be as physical as Lindgren, but his experience and defensive skills can be valuable in the playoffs. In his own words De Haan said, “My stats aren’t too sexy, but my underlying numbers have been pretty good for the most part this year. I’m just try to play my game — play steady hockey, play reliable hockey, try to help the team win. At the end of the day, that’s my job.”  

While Lindgren expressed how challenging the season has been for New York, with all the ups and downs he had while playing there, this move to Colorado might give him a fresh start and an exciting opportunity that can be valuable to the playoff-bound team. On the other hand, the players who were traded to the Rangers look forward to serving their new team to success. It is going to get even more interesting to watch as new players for either teams settle in and adapt quickly.

But the question lingers on for the Rangers. Will the new roster be able to fill the void left by Lindgren. What do you think? Tell us in the comments below.