Ryan Lindgren discusses the painful Rangers trade rumors in an exclusive, saying, “I don’t want to go anywhere.”

In the world of professional sports, trade rumors are an inevitable part of the game. For athletes, they are often a stressful and confusing aspect of their careers—especially when they involve a beloved team and a player’s future in question. The uncertainty of what’s next can weigh heavily on any athlete, no matter how experienced they may be. Such has been the case for Ryan Lindgren, the New York Rangers’ hard-hitting defenseman, who recently addressed trade rumors that have circulated around him in an exclusive interview.

Lindgren, known for his physical play and leadership on the ice, has been a key piece of the Rangers’ defensive core since he joined the team. However, as with many successful NHL franchises, speculation around player movement can sometimes stir up controversy, and Lindgren found himself at the center of trade rumors heading into the 2025 season.

In this exclusive interview, Lindgren opened up about the rumors, his feelings toward the possibility of leaving New York, and his desire to remain with the Rangers—who drafted him and where he has developed into one of the league’s standout defensive players. While it’s no secret that the Rangers have long been a team in transition, with a mix of veterans and young stars, Lindgren made it clear that New York is where he wants to stay.

Let’s dive deeper into Lindgren’s thoughts, the circumstances surrounding the trade rumors, and the importance of his role with the Rangers.

Ryan Lindgren’s Role with the Rangers

Before we delve into Lindgren’s personal reaction to the trade rumors, it’s important to recognize what the 25-year-old brings to the Rangers and why his potential departure would create such a stir among fans and teammates alike.

Lindgren, a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, was drafted by the Rangers in the second round (49th overall) in the 2016 NHL Draft. Since making his NHL debut during the 2018-19 season, he has carved out a niche for himself as a defensive defenseman who isn’t afraid to mix it up physically. Standing at 6 feet, 2 inches and weighing 207 pounds, Lindgren is the kind of player who thrives on the physical aspects of the game. Known for his toughness, he isn’t shy about dropping the gloves when necessary and has a reputation as one of the more feared players in the league when it comes to shutting down opposing forwards.

Lindgren has always had a strong, no-nonsense presence on the ice. Alongside his defensive partner, Adam Fox, Lindgren has contributed significantly to the Rangers’ back-end stability. While Fox often serves as the offensive engine for the Rangers’ blue line, Lindgren has been the physical anchor, blocking shots, throwing hits, and providing much-needed grit. His commitment to his teammates and his work ethic on the ice has made him one of the fan favorites in New York.

Over the years, Lindgren’s game has evolved, and his ability to play a reliable, defensive-first style has made him one of the cornerstones of the Rangers’ defense. His pairing with Fox is one of the most respected duos in the NHL, and the chemistry they share on the ice is one of the reasons why the Rangers have seen success in recent seasons. Lindgren’s versatility, leadership, and commitment to team-first play make him an irreplaceable part of the Rangers’ lineup.

The Trade Rumors and Their Impact

In a league where roster moves happen regularly, trade rumors are almost a given. However, for a player like Lindgren, whose heart and soul is clearly tied to the Rangers organization, the prospect of being moved to another team can be emotionally taxing.

Lindgren’s name began surfacing in trade speculation as the Rangers continued to explore avenues to improve their roster for a deeper playoff run in the coming seasons. After making significant strides in recent years, the Rangers have positioned themselves as legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. That ambition could lead the front office to make difficult decisions, possibly involving moving established players in exchange for high-caliber assets or future prospects. Unfortunately, trade rumors often come with the territory of playing for a team with championship aspirations.

The possibility of Lindgren being traded has been particularly painful for him, as he has become so ingrained in the fabric of the Rangers’ success and fan base. He spoke candidly about how the rumors have affected him emotionally, especially given his connection to the team and the city.

“Look, it’s never easy to hear your name in trade rumors,” Lindgren said in the interview. “You want to believe in the process and trust that things will work out. But it’s tough. I’ve been with the Rangers for a while now, and I love this team, the city, and the fans. I don’t want to go anywhere.”

Lindgren’s Connection to New York and the Rangers

Lindgren’s connection to the Rangers goes beyond just being a member of the team. Over the course of his time in New York, he has developed deep bonds with teammates and the fan base. Playing for an organization with such a storied history and passionate following isn’t something that can be easily replaced.

“From the moment I got drafted by the Rangers, I felt like I was home,” Lindgren explained. “New York has a way of making you feel like you belong here. The fans are unbelievable, and the city is just electric. I know what it means to wear that blue sweater, and I know how much the city cares about this team. That’s why, when rumors start circulating, it hits hard. I just want to be part of this long-term and help the Rangers win.”

Lindgren’s connection to the Rangers was also solidified by the team’s investment in him. After years of developing his game in the NHL, the Rangers locked him into a long-term contract extension in 2023, securing his future with the organization. It was a vote of confidence in his ability to be a centerpiece of their defense for years to come.

Despite the trade rumors, Lindgren remains committed to the idea of staying in New York and being a part of the Rangers’ journey toward a Stanley Cup. “I’ve always wanted to be part of something bigger,” Lindgren said. “I think we’re building something special here, and I want to see it through.”

The Rangers’ Strategy Moving Forward

Despite Lindgren’s emotional attachment to the Rangers, the team’s front office has a business to run, and managing the salary cap, making tough decisions, and keeping the team competitive for the long haul is part of the job. Chris Drury, the Rangers’ general manager, has made it clear that he is committed to improving the team in any way possible, including making changes to the roster if needed.

Drury acknowledged the challenge of balancing player development, maintaining a competitive roster, and making difficult personnel decisions. In recent years, the Rangers have made notable acquisitions like Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrick Kane, and Artemi Panarin, among others, to further solidify their core and add scoring depth. But as a result, financial constraints have come into play, and the salary cap continues to be a significant factor in roster decisions. The Rangers have to weigh Lindgren’s role and salary against their overall needs in other areas, which adds to the pressure of the situation.

“We value Ryan greatly,” Drury commented. “He’s a big part of what we’ve been able to do here in New York, and he’s a key player for us. But like every team, we need to make decisions that help us get better in the long run. These rumors are a part of the business, and we’ll do everything we can to make sure that Ryan feels respected and appreciated as we move forward.”

Ryan Lindgren’s Commitment to the Rangers

In the face of uncertainty, Lindgren’s passion and commitment to the Rangers have never been clearer. While trade rumors may swirl, he remains unwavering in his desire to stay with the team that gave him his big break in the NHL.

“I’ve been here for a long time now, and I’ve been through a lot with this team. I just want to keep building on what we’ve started,” Lindgren said. “There’s something really special about this group of guys, and I want to be here for the long haul. I don’t want to go anywhere. I want to help this team win a Cup, and I believe we have what it takes.”

As the trade deadline approaches, it remains to be seen whether Lindgren’s future with the Rangers will continue in the Garden or whether another chapter will unfold elsewhere. Regardless of what happens, Lindgren’s loyalty to New York and the Rangers is evident, and his presence on the blue line will continue to be felt as long as he’s part of the team.

For now, Lindgren is focused on what he can control: his performance on the ice and his desire to contribute to a championship-caliber team. And, as he said in closing, “At the end of the day, I’m going to keep giving everything I have to this team, and I’m going to give everything to this city because it’s where I want to be.”