Ryan Lindgren’s Transition to the Kraken
SEATTLE — Ryan Lindgren earned a reputation during his seven seasons with the Rangers as a player who gave everything for his team, always willing to endure pain to be on the ice.
For Lindgren, it’s not a proper game unless he’s at least a bit battered. The Rangers honored him for his 387 games in their colors, presenting him with the Player’s Player Award twice and later recognizing him with the Stephen McDonald Extra Effort Award in April 2023.
Facing off against his former team for the first time Saturday at Climate Pledge Arena, Lindgren was a beloved Ranger until he was traded to Colorado just days before the previous season’s trade deadline.
However, it was his performance in New York that helped him secure a four-year, $18 million contract with the Kraken as a free agent this summer.
“It shaped my career,” Lindgren mentioned Saturday morning after hosting a dinner for several former teammates and current Kraken players, including Adam Fox and Kaapo Kakko.
“My time in Hartford taught me about professional life, and once I got called up, I took my chance. I’ve had incredible success over six years, met amazing people and players, and great fans. It was a beautiful experience. I loved every moment as a Ranger, and I hold that time dear. It truly meant everything to me.”
At 27, Lindgren has put his heart into being a Ranger since making his NHL debut at Madison Square Garden on January 15, 2019.
Still, reality set in when he signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal before the last season. The Rangers’ struggle, teetering on the edge of missing the playoffs for the first time in four years, only expedited his departure.
“I didn’t know what to expect that day,” Lindgren reflected. “It was tough to say goodbye to everyone. This made the change feel a bit easier.”
Amidst the Rangers’ defensive issues, he seemed to take a backseat, but several teams were interested during the offseason. Ultimately, the Kraken acted quickly.
It was quite a unique and stressful experience for Lindgren, navigating free agency for the first time.
He felt he would mesh well with the Kraken, resonating with their blend of youth and experience, particularly enjoying his visit to Seattle. It was apparent the team valued not just his on-ice contributions but also his off-ice impact.
“For me, it’s all about competitiveness,” noted Lane Lambert, Kraken head coach and former Islanders coach. “He’s a quiet leader who leads by example. His presence reinforces the culture and identity we’re building. He embodies that standard we strive for every day.”
Lindgren anticipated that facing off against his former teammates would feel strange. He acknowledged that the experience might be even more poignant when the Kraken visit Madison Square Garden on January 12.
The sturdy defenseman feels he can still keep pace with the Rangers and is ready to make impactful plays when the opportunity arises.
It’s clear the Blueshirts will keep a keen eye on Lindgren, especially this coming Saturday and in January.
“He set everything up for us,” Schneider remarked about Lindgren. “He was a true warrior, always putting his body on the line, really the heart of our team back then. It’ll be exciting to see him play.”
