3 reasons why Rangers extending Ryan Lindgren could prove to be a mistake

By Evan Bell

Modified Jul 30, 2024 19:08 GMT

On Tuesday, the New York Rangers and defenceman Ryan Lindgren agreed to terms on a one-year contract worth $4.5 million. As the team looks to improve on their Eastern Conference Finals finish from last season, Lindgren's one-year deal affords the team some flexibility while kicking the rock down the road regarding his future.

With players such as Alexis Lafreniere and Igor Shesterkin expected to get big extensions next year, the Rangers' one-year deal with Lindgren not only keeps their roster competitive as they look to make another Stanley Cup run but also will give the franchise room to operate next season.

Ryan Lindgren gets paid more than the $3.6 million his qualifying offer was worth, and the team maintains long-term flexibility without a lengthy contract on the books.

While the situation appears to be a win-win situation, Lindgren's one-year $4.5 million extension may not pay off for the Rangers.

3 reasons why the Rangers' one-year deal with Ryan Lindgren could prove to be a mistake

#3. Less cap room this season

With the Rangers having just $1.4 million of cap space left, the one-year deal the team signed Ryan Lindgren to could be costly as the team looks to make a Stanley Cup run.

While their roster remains competitive, the money they spent on Lindgren may have been better elsewhere. Of course, this will all depend on his play this season. If Lindgren looks like a $4.5 million per year player who helps give the team a major boost, the contract could look like a winner.

#2. Trade value

Although the one-year deal New York signed with Ryan Lindgren gives them flexibility next summer, they may have a hard time pivoting on the trade market this season. If the team winds up exploring the market, and Lindgren doesn't play up to his value, a trade could be a hard sell at $4.5 million per year.

The silver lining here would be that any team acquiring Lindgren would only have him for the remainder of the year and then could offer him a deal they see fit. However, it could also mean attaching an asset if the team wants to make a trade happen this season.

#1. Further uncertainty surrounding Jacob Trouba's future

While there had been plenty of talk regarding a Jacob Trouba trade, with rumors indicating that the two sides were likely to part ways, the Rangers are now expected to hold on to Trouba this summer.

Trouba's future is still uncertain, and with the franchise signing Lindgren to a one-year deal, they are adding to the difficult financial decisions they will have to make down the line as more and more players on the roster prepare to hit free agency.