The Kraken have signed defenseman Ryan Lindgren to a four-year contract worth $4.5MM per season, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
This will mark Lindgren’s second move in just four months. He was previously traded to the Colorado Avalanche at the Trade Deadline alongside Jimmy Vesey, in a deal that landed the New York Rangers forward Juuso Parssinen, defenseman Calvin de Haan, and conditional second and fourth round draft picks. After starting the year with 19 points in 54 games with the Rangers, Lindgren finished the year with three points, a minus-one, and four penalty minutes in 18 games with the Avalanche. He also chipped in three assists and a plus-five to seven postseason games.
It was the postseason appearances that earned Lindgren recognition from around the league. He ranked second on the team in blocked shots (12) and looked like a hardy defensive addition behind Colorado’s all-out offense. That standing wasn’t enough to push the Avalanche beyond the first round, but it seemingly was enough to keep Lindgren top of mind for teams in need of hardy, depth defenders.
Lindgren has been in the league for the last seven seasons, all the while holding down a strong role on the Rangers’ second pairing. He was an active participant in New York’s defensive zone, even racking up as much as 141 blocked shots and 129 hits in a single year during the 2021-22 campaign. He continued to rival the century tally in both stats through the last three seasons, and even managed 128 blocks and 80 hits alongside a career-high 22 points between New York and Colorado this season.
Lindgren will step into Seattle seemingly looking to rival Josh Mahura and Ryker Evans for ice time as the team’s third-pair left-defender. He could also be a candidate to play on his off-hand side opposite of Evans – in an effort to shore up Seattle’s deprived right-side. With a play style that leans heavily against getting involved in the defensive end, Lindgren shouldn’t be much effected by the ask to play on the right-side – though additional moves could make his role for the 2025-26 campaign a bit more defined.
My gut says “no,” then my head tries to say “maybe,” but then my gut says “no” again. Would’ve been much happier paying K’Andre more than that.
Ryan Lindgren is a good physical defender but getting $4.5M AAV is probably overpay based on his market value especially with his injury history. If he can stay healthy, it’s an admirable signing for Seattle but if not, it’s a contract that could end rather poorly. We’ll see over time.
Market value is arbitrary, Its also inflated by bad GMs, A Hollywood notion at best.
@Sparky – no market value is based on a number of things particularly point production, so it’s not really arbitrary overall. However, there are some subjective elements to it. The market value this offseason is primarily inflated because of the cap increase more than anything else.
Which would mean it’s not “inflated”… It has changed. They project the cap at 113.5 in 2 years.
Thank you. Most of the goofs around here believe that market value is based on their opinion of what a guy should get paid, not on basic economics. Thus there are all kinds of posts about this contract or that being an overpay, when the market has simply been adjusted upward.
Mahura clearly the odd man out unless there’s another move coming with Larsson or Oleksiak.
I figured they’d let Oleksiak play until the deadline then trade him, but maybe that’s out. Contrary to most opinions, I am not an Evans fan so I’d be fine if they found a trade for a good young forward for him. Would be shocked (and sad) to see Larss go so soon into his new deal.
When Lindgren is on the ice the opposing forwards are very aware. This is by far the best move Botterill has made thus far.
I hope you’re right. Thinking further on it, he could possibly be a nice defensively-minded partner for Monty. That would be useful.
He’s the oldest 27 years old player out there. He just takes a beating every night and it’s showing in his play. You can only love him for his play, but at some point he’s going to break.
He’s my favorite player because he will always step forward and pay the price. You can’t win championships without guys like that.
Alot of GMs also think that market value is based on there opinions, And then they lose there jobs, Absolutely nobody! Can justify the money, And term that Florida gave Marchand, It defines insanity.
With the exception of parts of this season, Lindgren was partnered almost exclusively with Adam Fox in NY. That was the first defensive pairing- always. Show some respect for Lindy- he left it on the ice every night (even when it wasnt enough or he was deficient due to playing hurt).