New York Rangers defenceman Ryan Lindgren was back on the ice, albeit wearing a full-contact jersey and a protective bubble. In contrast, his return presents head coach Peter Laviolette with a difficult decision as the 26-year-old re-enters the lineup.
Rangers Face Tough Decision on Defence with Lindgren’s Return
At the start of the season, it was widely assumed that general manager Chris Drury and the Rangers would send rookie Vittorio Mancini to the AHL’s Hartford Wolf Pack once Lindgren was healthy. However, Mancini’s impressive play has sparked debate over who should exit the lineup. Zachary Jones, or perhaps Chad Ruhwedel, who has been a healthy scratch for the first three games, might instead be the odd man out.
Mancini has done everything in his power to prove he belongs in the NHL. While the rookie hasn’t recorded any points yet, he has seamlessly fit in on the third defensive pair alongside Jones. Through five games, Mancini is averaging 15:03 of ice time, fourth among Rangers defencemen in shots with nine, and ranks fourth with seven blocked shots. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 229 pounds, Mancini’s combination of size and speed has made him a solid addition to the Rangers’ blue line.
Rangers GM Will Earn his Keep
However, Mancini’s waiver-exempt status may work against him. If Jones or Ruhwedel were to be sent down, they would need to clear waivers, which is a risk the Rangers likely won’t take. As a result, despite his strong performance, Mancini could be the one sent to Hartford. The move could benefit his development, as he would likely play first-pair minutes in the AHL. That is rather than risk being a healthy scratch in New York. He would almost certainly be the first call-up should another defenceman go down during the season.
The Lindgren Effect: What Will the Defence Pairings Look Like?
Lindgren has spent most of his career paired with Adam Fox. Thus creating one of the most reliable shutdown duos in the league. In Lindgren’s absence, K’Andre Miller has stepped into a top-pair role alongside Fox, and the results have been promising. The Miller-Fox pair has allowed just one even-strength goal, which came during a 4-on-4 situation against the Utah Hockey Club.
The second pair of Jacob Trouba and Braden Schneider has also been effective. Trouba, with four assists in five games, appears to be shaking off the struggles he experienced at the end of last season. Schneider, meanwhile, looks comfortable playing on his offside on the left.
With Lindgren’s return, the most logical and prudent move may be to reunite him with Fox, restoring the pair’s chemistry. This would allow Miller to return to playing alongside Trouba, a partnership that was solid for much of last season. Schneider could then slot back down to the third pairing with Jones, maintaining continuity. Laviolette has a few different options to consider. One possibility is to leave Miller with Fox to see if they can develop into an elite defensive tandem, while experimenting with Lindgren on the second pair alongside either Schneider or Trouba. Giving Miller and Fox more time together could unlock significant upside. In contrast, reuniting Lindgren with Fox, where both have thrived, remains the most likely outcome.
Lindgren’s Return Will Boost Rangers
Regardless of how the pairings shake out, Lindgren’s return is a major boost for the Rangers. His physical style of play and willingness to stick up for teammates opens up space for Fox to operate and create offence. With Lindgren back, the Rangers’ defence will only get stronger, and the coaching staff will have to make some tough decisions regarding their blue line, particularly with how to handle Mancini’s future.
Main Photo Credit: Brad Penner – USA TODAY Sports
