Rangers Struggling to Extend Young Star Defender Due to Length of Deal
The New York Rangers have bolstered their defensive lineup this offseason by signing Braden Schneider and Matt Robertson to new contracts. Their next priority is extending the contract of young star defenseman Ryan Lindgren, but they are facing a significant challenge.
Rangers at an Impasse with Ryan Lindgren Over Contract Length
According to Vince Mercogliano of Lohud, the primary issue hindering an agreement between Lindgren and the Rangers is the length of the contract:
“The main holdup with Lindgren appears to be term,” reports Mercogliano. “His average annual value (AAV) is expected to be around his $3.6 million qualifying offer, possibly up to $4 million, but the Rangers are hesitant to commit to a long-term deal.”
The Rangers have frequently used “bridge deals” in recent years, signing forwards Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere to similar short-term contracts. This strategy is designed to maintain salary cap flexibility for the future.
Mercogliano elaborates, “New York typically prefers short-term contracts for young players to preserve future salary-cap flexibility.” While a short-term deal for Lindgren would provide immediate cap relief, it could pose challenges in the future if Schneider’s performance demands a higher salary.
Pursuing a bridge deal with Lindgren seems prudent, considering the upcoming contract negotiations the Rangers face. Next summer, Alexis Lafreniere, K’Andre Miller, and Igor Shesterkin will become free agents, and retaining these key players will likely take precedence over Lindgren.
Lindgren has proven himself as a valuable defenseman over the past six years, boasting a career +99 rating and establishing himself as a reliable stay-at-home defender, often paired with Adam Fox. Securing Lindgren for the duration of the Rangers’ championship window should be a priority, despite the current contract length dispute.
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