Where Lindgren fits on the depth chart, and how he performs in what will likely be a different role than in New York, could be a case study for future player evaluation. Lindgren has spent most of his 5-on-5 ice time next to Adam Fox on New York’s top pairing, over the past several seasons.

The Rangers are four points out of a playoff spot and did not want to let pending unrestricted free agents walk for nothing.