With a scheduled arbitration hearing slated for this Friday, the New York Rangers and defenseman Ryan Lindgren hope to avoid a messy conversation scheduled for this Friday.
The 26-year-old Burnsville, MN. Native was the Boston Bruins’ second-round pick ( 49th overall) in the 2016 NHL Draft. He was traded to New York in 2018 for Rick Nash and has played in 333 NHL games, all with the Blueshirts.
The “Warrior” has become a steadfast defenseman, playing alongside Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Adam Fox for most of his career.
Larry Brooks of the New York Post has cited “industry sources” regarding the two sides’ negotiations to reach a deal before Friday’s hearing. It is believed that the club is looking for a shorter-term deal in the length of two-to-three seasons while the 26-year-old Lindgren is seeking a deal for four or five seasons. It is also believed that the Blueshirts are offering between $4 million and $4.25 million per year while No. 55 is seeking up to $5M per.
Lindgren has a year remaining before becoming an unrestricted free agent. Thoughts revolving around whether the club could offer Lindgren a one-year contract now and address his contract again next season. Should that happen, the Blueshirts would have two top players, Lindgren and Igor Shesterkin, flirting with the UFA status as the trade deadline approaches next March.
Per the CBA agreement, if a one-year deal is signed before this season starts, the two sides could not negotiate a new contract until Jan. 1, 2025.
The arbitration process is not for the faint of heart. Lindgren’s side will demonstrate why they believe Lindgren is worth the amount they are looking for. Then, the ugly part will begin, as the organization will point out the deficiencies in its game, justifying the lower amount offered.
Should the arbitrator side with Lindgren’s camp, the Rangers could decide to walk away, immediately making Lindgren an Unrestricted free agent.
The last time the organization sat down for a arbitration hearing was with Nikolai Zherdev in 2009. Zherdev was awarded $3.9 million by the arbitrator. The Rangers offer was for the qualifying amount of $3.25 million. The club walked away, allowing Zherdev to become a UFA.
His dedication to the name has never been questioned. He is a leader on the ice, sacrificing his body to make the big play wether blocking shots or laying out the big hit. A fan favortie at the Garden, he has been compared to most often to former Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi.
The sides can continue to talk until the hearing on Friday.
