In addition to Mika Zibanejad winning an award, another prestigious honour was given out. Ryan Lindgren is the winner of two awards. This award is the Players’ Players Award and the Steven McDonald award. One award is to the player that demonstrates what it means to be a team player and then the extra effort award. This is the second time in three seasons he has won the award.
“That’s what the kid does. Every night he puts his heart and soul out there.” – Coach Gallant on Ryan Lindgren pic.twitter.com/xXdxu7h9Ka
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 11, 2023
Ryan Lindgren Given Awards
When Mika Zibanejad was given out the MVP award, it was voted on by media members. However, Ryan Lindgren was given out the Players’ Player award voted on by his teammates. The next award, was voted on by the fans. In the eyes of his team, he is a player that demonstrates what it means to be a team player (The Players’ Player Award). His impacts on the ice are noticeable and it has grabbed the attention of his teammates and head coach Gerard Gallant.
What The Steven McDonald Award Means To Lindgren
The 💙 and soul.
LET'S GO LINDY! pic.twitter.com/uXtiHOdUSv
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 10, 2023
The Steven McDonald Award is a true honour. It is also known as the extra effort award. A heart and soul guy earns the right for this award. This award goes out to the player who goes above and beyond the call of duty for his teammates. Lindgren now becomes the third defenseman to win the prestigious honour. For Ryan Lindgren, this award is a true honour. Lindgren went on to say, “It’s a huge honour- what this award represents”. Lindgren also went on to talk about the city, the first responders and just what the support means to him from the fans. For a guy that leaves it all on the ice and is a true heart and soul player, this is more than deserving.
The Players’ Player Award
"It's an award that players vote on, so to have them vote for me means a lot. There's guys on the team that easily could have won it – but it's obviously special."
Lindy on Players' Player: https://t.co/WgpoPRGBv7
MVP Mika: https://t.co/u1KPqIePSY
Kaner: https://t.co/ZvBNVLY0oj… pic.twitter.com/3Ku2GU5ZLu— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 12, 2023
While the last award is voted on by the fans, this one comes from his peers. A fan favourite as well as a locker room favourite, Ryan Lindgren has everyone’s attention. While he has his feelings about the Steven McDonald award, he took appreciation to this one as well. Lindgren went on to say, “It’s an award that players vote on, so to have them vote for me means a lot. There’s guys on the team that easily could have won it – but it’s obviously special”.
The list of players on this roster is endless. Chris Kreider, Adam Fox, Artemi Panarin, and Vincent Trocheck are just a few. Anyone could have won this award and the contributions come from everywhere. For Lindgren, this is another huge honour adding to his accolades for the Broadway Blueshirts.
The Career Season For Lindgren
Aside from his other on-ice impacts, Ryan Lindgren is enjoying a career season. Lindgren has set a new career high in assists (17) and points (18). He is a leave-it-all-on-the-ice type of player and once he puts the Rangers jersey on, it’s business. Lindgren is always willing to sacrifice the body as his 92 blocked shots are good for fifth on the team. While enjoying ice time with Adam Fox, he enjoys time on the penalty kill.
Praise From Coach Gallant
“It’s a huge honor – what that award represents.”
Lindy on winning the Steven McDonald Award: https://t.co/8DIOzOkU8e
Fil: https://t.co/Jt5vc8hAs8
Foxy: https://t.co/s9g4O6bsQr
Coach Gallant: https://t.co/q7Y4PdCygP pic.twitter.com/19YHbKYgG9— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 11, 2023
On the some night as winning the Steven McDonald award, Ryan Lindgren showed why he won the award. During their tilt with the Buffalo Sabres, Lindgren took a slap shot to the face. He would come off the ice and then return moments later. Gallant had high praise for his defensemen saying, “Thats what the kid does. Every night he puts his heat and soul out there”.
Lindgren is a warrior. A fierce competitor and a valuable asset to the Rangers team and what they are building. He is very deserving of both awards.
Main Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports