The New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche have agreed to a trade sending two players to Colorado in exchange for Jusso Parssinen and Calvin de Haan. While the final details are still being worked out, the deal primarily involves two of the Rangers’ pending unrestricted free agents, who were at risk of leaving for nothing had they remained in New York.
Ryan Lindgren has struggled in recent seasons, with injuries taking a toll on his play. He signed a one-year, $4 million contract last summer, bringing him to free agency this offseason. Though not the player he once was, Colorado hopes he can contribute in a more limited role. Originally acquired in the trade for Rick Nash, Lindgren was a solid presence in New York early on but has recently faced challenges.
Jimmy Vesey returned to the Rangers after bouncing around the league but has had difficulty securing his usual fourth-line spot this season, as younger players have started taking over. In Denver, he’ll bring value as a strong penalty killer, while his departure opens up opportunities for young talents like Arthur Kaliyev, Brett Berard, and Brennan Othmann to get more ice time with the Rangers.
As for the return, de Haan is a reliable but unspectacular veteran defenseman capable of playing both sides. He, too, is set to become a free agent this summer, raising the possibility that New York sees him as a temporary replacement until K’Andre Miller returns to full health—potentially even flipping him for more assets before the trade deadline.
Parssinen has struggled to find consistency despite flashes of potential. The Rangers have room for him if he can step up, but he isn’t necessarily an upgrade over their current options. He should, however, be a serviceable bottom-six forward and contribute on the second power-play unit. This trade appears to be just the beginning of a series of moves by general manager Chris Drury and his team as they prepare for the stretch run.