Expectations for the 2020-2021 New York Rangers, part 2 – Defense

Together forever?

Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren may not be the top shut down defensive pairing for the team, but Coach Quinn is not shy to use them whenever. The pair first played together in the United States National Development Program (USNDP) and twice at the World Junior Championships, winning gold in 2017 and bronze in 2018. Now at the NHL level, the pairing is the closest thing this team has seen to a perfect balance of skill and power since Brian Leetch and Jeff Beukeboom patrolled the Rangers blueline.

# 23 – Adam Fox

Adam Fox did not score a point for his first seven games, but still finished with 42 points over his final 63 games played before the league paused. Prorated, his season would have had a clear chance at a 50 point season. Fox led the team in takeaways, and both Corsi and Fenwick possession metrics. Without any doubt, he showed he was ready for the NHL and was validated as such with a fourth place finish in Calder Trophy voting for rookie of the year.

Moving into next season, baring a sophomore slump, there is no reason to believe that Fox cannot improve on his impressive rookie campaign. By already being acclimated to the NHL game, Fox has the opportunity to avoid the slow start the hindered his first season. Offensively, Fox should be expected to post a minimum of 40 points, if not join the ranks of 50 point producers from the back end.

He already prospers from a heavy offensive zone start percentage and virtually no PK assignments, which should not change for this upcoming season. Although, as his career progresses, he may have to expand his defensive game as well. Additionally, for this coming season, with Jacques Martin’s influence, he should spend less time defending and more time in transition, which will help his game grow. As will being comfortable with his partner from the start.

#55 – Ryan Lindgren

Ryan Lindgren’s rookie campaign was one of pure grit and will. At only six foot tall, he is far from being a big bodied defenseman, but he plays the game as if he were six foot five. His 90 hits ranked sixth on the team with only 994 minutes of ice-time, equal to nearly six hits per 60 minutes. Only Trouba has a higher hits per 60 minutes among the regularly played defenseman.

To put that into context, Trouba logged the heavy defensive minutes which accounts for his team leading hits total. Lindgren on the other hand, paired with Fox, spent a significant amount of more time in transition and on offense, yet was still one of the leading hitters on the team. Additionally, Lindgren added 70 blocked shots and showed he was not afrain to drop the mitts, having fought Nazem Kadri during the season and Wayne Simmonds during the pre-season.

While his physical play was not a surprise to Rangers fans, his quiet offensive contributions may be.  His 16 points over 60 games played prorates to roughly 22 points over a full 82 game season. With a little more confidence going into year two, Lindgren could post offense that resembles the peak years of Marc Staal and Dan Girardi.  Not explosive offensive numbers by any means, but solid contribution for a stay at home defenseman.

Moving into next season, Lindgren should provide much of the same, if not more with an elevated amount of ice-time overall.