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What to do about the logjam on defense

By Steve Paulus

Nils Lundkvist poses after being selected twenty-eighth overall by the New York Rangers
Nils Lundkvist poses after being selected twenty-eighth overall by the New York Rangers /
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New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) and defenseman Ryan Lindgren (55) celebrates a goal (Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) and defenseman Ryan Lindgren (55) celebrates a goal (Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports) /

Sure things

  1. Adam Fox, 23, RD – With one year left on his ELC, he is due to be locked up long term for big bucks.  Those bucks will go up even more if he makes it as a finalist for the Norris Trophy on June 9.  This native New Yorker will have a long career with the Rangers.
  2. Jacob Trouba, 27, RD – He has five years left on a contract with a No Movement Clause and $8 million Average Annual Value (AAV).  How much he was missed became evident when he was injured late in the season. He’s important to the team and that NMC along with his cap hit means he won’t go  anywhere for a long time.
  3. Ryan Lindgren, 23, LD – He just signed a three year contract with a $3 million AAV.  It was a display of commitment to one Ranger who is hard to play against.
  4. K’Andre Miller, 21, LD – He has two years left on his ELC and after an outstanding rookie season his future is bright on Broadway.  He didn’t get any Calder Trophy love this season when he probably should have considering the challenge of playing defense in the NHL.

With these four players guaranteed a slot in the starting lineup, it leaves room for two more and a back up and that’s where the logjam gets more complicated.

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