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.

The Colorado Avalanche acquired a big boost ahead of the NHL trade deadline. The Avalanche announced Saturday they traded defenseman Calvin de Haan, forward Juuso Parssinen ad two draft picks to the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Ryan Lindgren,