NHL Trade Deadline: Is The Ryan Lindgren Trade Actually Any Good?

The Colorado Avalanche’s recent trade to acquire defenseman Ryan Lindgren from the New York Rangers has elicited mixed reactions from the NHL community. While Lindgren’s traditional statistics suggest a solid defensive presence, a closer examination of advanced metrics reveals potential concerns that could impact the Avalanche’s defensive strategy.

A closer look at advanced metrics

Beyond the conventional statistics, advanced metrics provide a more nuanced understanding of a player’s performance. One such metric is the Expected Goals Against per 60 minutes (xGA/60), which estimates the quality of scoring chances a team is likely to concede with a particular player on the ice. Over the past three seasons, Lindgren’s xGA/60 has shown an upward trend, indicating that opponents are generating higher-quality scoring opportunities during his shifts.

Another critical metric is the Corsi Against per 60 minutes (CA/60), representing the number of shot attempts (including blocked and missed shots) allowed per 60 minutes of play. Lindgren’s CA/60 has also increased in recent NHL seasons, suggesting that opposing teams are maintaining more offensive pressure when he is on the ice.

Additionally, Lindgren’s Relative Fenwick Percentage (RelFenwick%), which measures unblocked shot attempt differential relative to his teammates, has declined. A decreasing RelFenwick% implies that the team performs better in controlling unblocked shot attempts when Lindgren is off the ice, raising concerns about his defensive efficacy.

We have acquired Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey from the New York Rangers in exchange for Calvin de Haan and Juuso Parssinen. pic.twitter.com/BvsjJdxRbU

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 1, 2025

Injury History 

Lindgren’s aggressive, physical style of play has been both a strength and a vulnerability. While his willingness to engage physically can disrupt opponents, it has also led to a series of injuries over his career.

These injuries have resulted in missed games and may have contributed to the decline in his defensive metrics. For a defenseman whose effectiveness relies heavily on physicality, maintaining health is crucial; recurring injuries can diminish performance and shorten NHL career longevity.

Implications for the Avalanche’s Defensive Strategy

The Avalanche possess a dynamic defensive lineup, featuring standout players like Cale Makar and Devon Toews. Integrating Lindgren into this system requires careful consideration.

If his declining advanced metrics and injury history persist, Lindgren could become a defensive liability, particularly in high-pressure situations such as penalty kills or late-game scenarios. The coaching staff will need to monitor his performance closely and adjust his role to mitigate potential risks.

Assessing the Return on Investment

In exchange for Lindgren and forward Jimmy Vesey, the Avalanche sent defenseman Calvin de Haan, forward Juuso Parssinen, and conditional second- and fourth-round picks in the 2025 NHL Draft to the Rangers. De Haan, a veteran defenseman, has been recognized for his steady defensive play and shot-blocking abilities. Parssinen, a young forward, has shown potential with 11 points in 37 games this season.

Surrendering these assets for Lindgren, whose advanced metrics indicate a decline, raises questions about the strategic direction of the Avalanche’s front office.