After a long offseason of negotiations, the New York Rangers and Ryan Lindgren finally agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract.
Despite not getting the long-term contract that he was reportedly seeking, Lindgren is in good shape after making his new deal official.
“Real happy to get it done before (arbitration),” Lindgren said via NHL.com. “I love being in New York, so I’m really excited to get back there. It’s a great city, it’s a great team, so I’m really excited for next year.”
Withstanding how long it took for the two sides to come to an agreement, it was only a matter of when not if Lindgren would sign a deal to stay in New York.
The Rangers are building something special and Lindgren wants to be a part of it.
“It seems like we’re right there,” Lindgren said. “The Eastern Conference Final last year we came up short, we lost to a really good Florida team, but we were right there with them. You just realize how hard it is. It’s a grind to get to that point. We had a real good regular season but that doesn’t mean much when you go into the playoffs.
“But we got a real good team. We added some real good players and I know guys were hungry going into the offseason, so real excited to get back at it.”
Lindgren is only under contract for one more season now as his long-term future with the Rangers is still in doubt.
However, the 26-year-old defenseman doesn't seem overly focused on the future and is determined to help the Rangers accomplish their ultimate goal of winning a Stanley Cup.
“I just try not to think about it as much you can,” Lindgren said. “Just go out there, play and have fun. If the team is successful, then you’re going to be successful. That’s all that really matters. But I want to be in New York. That’s all I’ve known for the past six years now. I love being there. I want to be there as long as I can.”
