Three reasons why Rangers went short-term with Ryan Lindgren

It wasn't that long ago Rangers fans assumed defenseman Ryan Lindgren would be set to sign a significant contract extension. 

One of the first young assets the Rangers acquired while rebuilding, Lindgren wasn't believed at the time to necessarily be a big-time NHL prospect.

In the face of doubts — some even voiced by star players in the league — Lindgren has turned into a reliable top-four defenseman and penalty killer.

On Tuesday, the Rangers won a reported battle over contract length with the gritty and oft-injured player, signing him to a one-year contract worth $4.5 million in average annual value. 

In a move not typical of an NHL organization, the Rangers handed Ryan Lindgren what many players crave: a one-year contract that sends him to unrestricted free agency next summer in the prime of his career. 

The New York Post reported earlier this offseason that Lindgren sought a deal of at least four years.

For a team with a general manager who said 'nothing' was off the table following a six-game loss to eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida, the Rangers seem to be more focused on roster flexibility than flash.

Lindgren's future with the Rangers is now tied to more than just his own play. His future could hinge on what happens with three other players, and just how much space they take up on the Rangers next cap sheet. 

1. Igor Shesterkin, G

This is almost certainly the next domino to fall. The Rangers' 28-year-old franchise netminder is entering the final season of a steal of a deal worth just shy of $5.7 million per year. Rumors this summer make it sound like Shesterkin's cap hit will easily double. It's possible he could wind up exceeding $12 million annually when it's all said and done, making him the highest-paid goaltender in hockey. 

2. K'Andre Miller, LHD

The Rangers' big, speedy 6-foot-5 defenseman has shown a lot for a young, somewhat raw player at a position notorious for slow growth. Miller doesn't look out of place in the NHL, but he's shown the upside to be so much more impactful down the line. He's been deployed as a top defenseman by minutes the last two seasons at 5-on-5, scored 51 of his 73 points at 5-on-5 and is the team's third most-used penalty killer among defensemen. He's a bit difficult to project because he's had mixed results in a critical role. His floor is likely around $6 million per season on a long-term contract, but he could land much higher.

3. Alexis Lafreniere, RW