MONTREAL — Ryan Lindgren is expected to make his season debut Tuesday night against the Canadiens.
“He seems to be doing well,” head coach Peter Laviolette said. “He's been on the ice for a few weeks now and has been with us for seven to 10 days, practicing and working hard. He's been cleared.”
The Rangers activated Lindgren from injured reserve ahead of Game 3, the final game of their road trip, after the 26-year-old defenseman missed two more games than the minimum required week on the sidelines. I let it happen.
Lindgren suffered an apparent jaw injury in a fight with Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield on Sept. 24 in the Blueshirts' second preseason exhibition game. Lindgren, who suffered several uppercuts, has been wearing a full face shield since his return. Ice for practice.
Despite Lindgren's return, the Rangers' top two defensemen remain intact. Adam Fox will remain with K'Andre Miller, while Braden Schneider will continue skating to the left of captain Jacob Trouba.
Lindgren will line up next to Victor Mancini, who has played in all six games for Rangers since the start of the season.
“He's a man in heart and soul,” Laviolette said of Lindgren, who signed a one-year, $4.5 million contract to remain with the Rangers this offseason. “He plays hard every shift, every game. He gives everything he's got. That's how you feel when you take a player like that out of the lineup. It would be nice to get him back there. hey.
“He came back after being away for a bit at first, but his influence will be felt and the more he plays, the better he will get.”
With Lindgren expected to return, Chad Ruwedel, who made his season debut Saturday in Toronto, will be left out of the lineup. In 14 minutes, 04 seconds of ice time against the Maple Leafs, Ruwedel had two hits and four blocks.
Zach Jones, who played in the first four games, is expected to be a healthy scratch for the second consecutive tournament.
Igor Shesterkin started for Montreal, making his fifth start of the season.
The NHL's Frozen Frenzy will begin on Tuesday at 6pm, with all 32 teams playing at staggered start times.
“I think this is great for hockey and great for the game,” Laviolette said. “There’s hockey going on everywhere, which is great.”
