Exclusive | Ryan Lindgren opens up about agonizing Rangers trade rumors: ‘Don’t want to go anywhere’

For any player, trade rumors are a tough reality of life in the professional sports world, but for New York Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren, the constant speculation surrounding his future has been particularly challenging. Having been a key part of the Rangers’ defensive core over the past several seasons, Lindgren has grown accustomed to being in the spotlight, but recently, rumors of a potential trade have put a strain on his mental and emotional state. In an exclusive interview, Lindgren opens up about the impact of these trade whispers, his connection to the team, and his desire to remain in New York for the long haul.

The rumors began to surface as the Rangers entered the latter half of the 2024-25 season, with Lindgren’s name frequently appearing in trade speculation across social media and within hockey circles. The talk intensified after a few tough stretches for the team, and with New York looking to bolster its roster for a Stanley Cup push, some insiders suggested that Lindgren—due to his affordable contract, physical style of play, and versatility—could be a player the Rangers might move.

For Lindgren, who has been with the Rangers since being drafted by the team in 2016, the rumors have been a painful distraction. Known for his tough, no-nonsense style of play, Lindgren is the type of player fans can rely on to make a big hit, block a shot, and contribute in all situations, but it’s his emotional investment in the team that has set him apart. As the rumors continued to swirl, Lindgren felt a mixture of frustration, confusion, and, above all, a desire to silence the noise and focus on what matters most: his commitment to the Rangers.

The Toll of Trade Rumors: A Personal Struggle

Lindgren is no stranger to the pressures of the NHL. As a defenseman, he has had to fight for every opportunity to earn a regular spot on the roster, and his relentless drive is part of what has made him such an important piece of the Rangers’ lineup. However, the added burden of trade rumors has been something he’s had to navigate, often feeling like his future is being decided by people outside of his control.

“It’s tough,” Lindgren admits when asked about the effect trade rumors have had on him. “You try to block it out, but when you’re constantly hearing things and seeing your name being mentioned, it starts to weigh on you. You can’t help but think about it. It’s a lot to deal with mentally. At the end of the day, all I want to do is help this team win and be a part of the group. I don’t want to go anywhere.”

Lindgren’s honesty is palpable as he continues, acknowledging that despite the rumors, his focus has remained on doing his job to the best of his ability. “There’s always pressure in this league. Every game is an opportunity to prove yourself, but when it feels like your future is being debated publicly, it definitely adds a new layer of stress. The only thing I want to do is help this team get better and contribute to the success of the group. I’ve put a lot of myself into this team, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

A Home in New York: Lindgren’s Connection to the Rangers

Lindgren’s journey to the NHL was not an easy one, but he has consistently fought for his place within the Rangers’ organization. Drafted in the second round (49th overall) in 2016, Lindgren’s rise to the NHL wasn’t marked by immediate success but by a steady commitment to improving his game and earning the trust of his coaches. He spent time in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack before being called up to the big leagues, where he began to make a name for himself as a hard-hitting, defensive-minded blueliner.

What sets Lindgren apart from many players is the emotional connection he has with the Rangers. From the moment he was drafted, it was clear that Lindgren was committed to becoming a core player for the team. His blue-collar mentality—coupled with his relentless work ethic—made him an ideal fit for the Rangers’ defense-first approach, and his presence on the ice quickly became one of the most important aspects of their defensive strategy.

“I remember getting that phone call on draft day, and it’s something I’ll never forget,” Lindgren recalls. “The Rangers were the team that believed in me. They gave me the opportunity to prove myself, and ever since then, it’s been about giving everything I have to this organization. New York is a special place to play, and I love being part of this team. The fans are incredible, and the energy in Madison Square Garden is unmatched. It’s an honor to wear this jersey, and I’ve always felt that way.”

Over the years, Lindgren has earned the respect of his teammates, coaches, and fans alike for his commitment to the Rangers. Whether he’s blocking shots, laying out bone-crushing hits, or killing penalties, Lindgren has become a key component of the team’s defensive game plan. His partnership with fellow defenseman Adam Fox, one of the league’s best offensive defensemen, has been one of the cornerstones of the Rangers’ success, with Lindgren’s physicality and defensive prowess allowing Fox to play his creative, playmaking game.

“We’ve developed a really good chemistry,” Lindgren says of his pairing with Fox. “He’s such a dynamic player, and I just try to do my part to make sure he can do what he does best. We have a lot of trust in each other on the ice, and I think that’s been a big reason for our success as a pair. We complement each other really well.”

The Trade Rumors: Understanding the Business of Hockey

Despite Lindgren’s strong bond with the Rangers, the NHL is, at its core, a business. Every team is constantly evaluating its roster and exploring ways to improve. As the Rangers moved into contention for the Stanley Cup in recent seasons, the idea of potentially upgrading their roster through trades became a reality, and some of those trade rumors inevitably involved Lindgren.

“Everyone knows that the NHL is a business,” Lindgren acknowledges. “At the end of the day, you have to understand that decisions are made based on what’s best for the team. I get that, and I’ve been through it before. But it doesn’t make it easier when you hear your name being mentioned. It’s just part of the process. It’s not personal—it’s business.”

Lindgren’s perspective on the business side of the sport is a mature one, and it speaks to his understanding of how the NHL operates. That being said, the emotional side of the equation is far more complex. For Lindgren, the idea of being traded is something he does not want to entertain, especially given how much he values his role with the Rangers.

“I’ve seen a lot of guys go through trades and moves, and it can be really hard on them,” Lindgren says. “I’m lucky in the sense that I’ve been here for a long time, and this is where I want to be. This is my home. I don’t want to go anywhere else. I just want to be a part of something special with this team.”

Lindgren’s Legacy: More Than Just a Defenseman

As Lindgren navigates the tumult of trade rumors, it’s important to recognize what he has brought to the Rangers over the years. His contributions to the team go beyond the stats, and his leadership—though not as vocal as some of his teammates—has been a steadying force on and off the ice. Lindgren is the type of player who does the little things right: blocking shots, making critical defensive plays, and keeping the team’s defensive zone in order when the pressure is at its highest. His value to the Rangers, particularly in big moments, cannot be overstated.

Lindgren’s impact was particularly evident in the Rangers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2022, when his defensive presence was crucial in shutting down some of the league’s most dynamic offensive players. While the team ultimately fell short in the Final, Lindgren’s efforts in the postseason earned him even more respect from fans and teammates alike.

“I think that whole playoff run showed a lot about Ryan,” says Rangers captain Jacob Trouba. “He’s one of those guys who plays with a chip on his shoulder, and he does everything in his power to help this team win. He’s not looking for the spotlight, but you notice when he’s on the ice. He’s one of those guys who makes everyone around him better.”

Looking Ahead: Lindgren’s Future with the Rangers

As Lindgren’s contract enters its final years, the future of his tenure with the Rangers remains uncertain. However, it is clear that Lindgren has made a significant mark on the organization, and his desire to stay in New York is evident. The Rangers will likely have to make a decision in the coming months, especially as the team evaluates how to build its roster for a championship run.

For Lindgren, the message is clear: he wants to stay in New York and continue contributing to the team’s success. While trade rumors may continue to swirl, his focus remains firmly on being the best version of himself for the Rangers and striving for the ultimate goal—winning a Stanley Cup.

“I don’t want to be anywhere else,” Lindgren concludes. “I’ve built something special here, and I want to finish what I started with this team. The fans, my teammates, and this city mean so much to me. I’m proud to be a Ranger, and I’m going to keep doing everything I can to help this team win.”

In a league full of uncertainty, Ryan Lindgren’s unwavering commitment to the Rangers is a reminder of the importance of loyalty, passion, and the deep connection that players can form with a team. As the trade rumors continue to swirl, one thing is certain: Lindgren’s heart remains firmly in New York.