New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren is excited to remain with the Blueshirts. He and the organization agreed to a one-year extension this week, avoiding a salary arbitration hearing scheduled for August 2nd.
“Real happy to get it done before (arbitration),” Lindgren said Wednesday at Da Beauty League, a 4-on-4 summer league featuring collegiate and NHL players with ties to Minnesota. “I love being in New York, so I’m really excited to get back there. It’s a great city, it’s a great team, so I’m really excited for next year.”
Lindgren had 17 points (14 assists) last season and three points in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The team reached the Eastern Conference Finals but lost in six games to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers.
Though the team didn’t end the year with a parade, the 26-year-old defenseman feels the Rangers are in a great spot to make another run.
“It seems like we’re right there,” Lindgren said. “The Eastern Conference Final last year we came up short, we lost to a really good Florida team, but we were right there with them. You just realize how hard it is. It’s a grind to get to that point. We had a real good regular season but that doesn’t mean much when you go into the playoffs.
“But we got a real good team. We added some real good players and I know guys were hungry going into the offseason, so real excited to get back at it.”
The additions Lindgren was referring to are Reily Smith and Sam Carrick. Smith was acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Carrick was a free agent signing.
Originally selected by the Boston Bruins in the 2016 NHL Draft (49th overall), Lindgren has appeared in 333 games, recording 80 points (70 assists) and 11 points while playing in 43 Stanley Cup Playoffs games.
He has played his entire career in New York City and hopes to continue that for as long as possible,
“I want to be in New York. That’s all I’ve known for the past six years now. I love being there. I want to be there as long as I can.”
ITR 34: End Of The Road – Inside The Rink
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