Ryan Lindgren is getting closer to rejoining the New York Rangers. The 26-year-old defenseman participated in the morning skate, donning a regular jersey before Monday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings at Madison Square Garden.
Recently, Lindgren had been practicing in a no-contact jersey, so this marks positive progress. He has been sidelined since early preseason due to an upper-body injury sustained during a fight with New York Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield. He currently wears a bubble mask for protection.
“His status is still day to day,” said Rangers coach Peter Laviolette to the media. “It was great to see him out there competing today, even if it was just a pregame skate.” When asked if he would prefer Lindgren to participate in a full practice before his return to the lineup, Laviolette replied, “It’s beneficial for players returning from injuries to get into practices.”
After Monday’s game, the Rangers will embark on a three-game road trip starting Thursday in Detroit against the Red Wings, continuing Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs and next Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens.
In Lindgren’s absence, Laviolette has adjusted the defensive pairings, moving K’Andre Miller to the top pair alongside Adam Fox, Lindgren’s regular partner. Miller had a mixed performance in the Rangers’ 6-5 overtime loss to the Utah Hockey Club, but he did score a fortunate goal and logged 26:59 of ice time. Fox contributed with three assists in that game.
Additionally, Braden Schneider has transitioned from the right to the left side, pairing with Jacob Trouba. The duo faced challenges against Utah, although Schneider managed to score a crucial goal late in the second period following a strong debut in their 6-0 win on opening night against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Rookie Victor Mancini has performed well in his first two games on the third pair with Zac Jones. Although he appeared to score his first NHL goal on Saturday, it was ruled out because Matt Rempe was deemed to be in the goalie’s crease during the shot.
Upon Lindgren’s return, either Mancini or Jones—most likely the 22-year-old rookie—will be removed from the lineup, with Chad Ruhwedel currently serving as the seventh defenseman. Lindgren played all but six games last season after missing 19 in 2022-23 due to injuries.
