New York Rangers injury update: Ryan Lindgren takes next step, sheds no-contact jersey
Ryan Lindgren is inching closer to a return with the New York Rangers. The 26-year-old defenseman participated in the morning skate wearing a regular jersey ahead of New York’s game against the Detroit Red Wings at Madison Square Garden on Monday.
Lindgren returned to practice recently wearing a no-contact jersey, so this is a step in the right direction. He’s been out since early in the preseason with an upper-body injury sustained in a fight with New York Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield.
The top-pair defender is wearing a bubble mask to protect whatever his injury is.
“Nothing has changed on his status (which is day to day),” Rangers coach Peter Laviolette told reporters. “But great to have him out there today and competing. But it was just a pregame skate, as well.”
Laviolette was then asked if he’d prefer Lindgren take part in a full practice before returning to the lineup.
“It would be great when guys come off being out for a while and get into practices. I think that’s always beneficial,” Laviolette explained.
After the game Monday, the Rangers have a three-game road trip beginning Thursday in Detroit against the Red Wings, continuing Saturday at the Toronto Maple Leafs and next Tuesday at the Montreal Canadiens.
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Rangers defense corps making due without injured Ryan Lindgren
In Lindgren’s absence, Laviolette has shaken up the defense pairings. K’Andre Miller is on the top pair with Lindgren’s longtime partner Adam Fox. Miller had an up-and-down game in New York’s 6-5 overtime loss to the Utah Hockey Club on Saturday, though he did score a fluky goal and lead the Rangers with 26:59 TOI.
Fox had three assists against Utah.
Also, Braden Schneider has shifted from the right side to the left and is paired with Jacob Trouba. After a strong debut in the 6-0 win on opening night against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the pair had some major issues against Utah, though Schneider also scored a key goal late in the second period.
Rookie Victor Mancini has fared well in his first two games on the third pair with Zac Jones. In fact, it appeared Mancini scored his first NHL goal Saturday, until it was overturned because Matt Rempe was ruled to be in the goalie’s crease when the shot went in.
When Lindgren returns, one of Mancini or Jones — likely the 22-year-old rookie — will be taken out of the lineup. Chad Ruhwedel right now is the seventh defenseman.
Lindgren played all but six games last season after missing 19 in 2022-23 because of injury.
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