The New York Rangers have embraced the word ‘new,’ continuously announcing key roster changes in hopes of securing a playoff spot in the 2024-25 NHL season. However, new isn’t always better, and these constant trades highlight a lackluster season and team performance. After Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey were traded to the Colorado Avalanche, star Mika Zibanejad made a candid admission.
The Rangers remain one of the most unpredictable teams in the NHL. After winning the Presidents’ Trophy last season, the Blueshirts are now mired in a fierce battle for the wildcard spots in the East.
Peter Laviolette’s team has performed well below expectations, and GM Chris Drury has made it clear he won’t shy away from making moves if necessary. As the Rangers battle through the season, veterans Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey were traded to Colorado. They join Jacob Trouba and Kaapo Kakko as the most recent starters shipped out of The Big Apple.
A look around the locker room at Madison Square Garden is unrecognizable compared to how it looked in October, and Mika Zibanejad made an honest statement about Lindgren, expressing his frustration as the team’s overall results cost them yet another dearly valued teammate.
Ryan Lindgren #55 of the New York Rangers arrives for the game against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on February 25, 2025 in Elmont, New York.
“The way [Ryan Lindgren] played, the way he was on the ice, I think it’s very apparent for everyone and very obvious what he did for us,” a frustrated Zibanejad stated, via USA Today’s Vince Mercogliano. “And when you have someone who does all the things that he did for us – the way he played through injury, the way he just battled every game.
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Ryan Lindgren delivers a striking remark after the Rangers’ loss to Toronto at MSG
“You talk about giving 100% every night, that was Lindy. And then off the ice, one of the nicest human beings I’ve ever met. It’s tough.“
Time for action
Zibanejad’s words on Lindgren highlight the mood in the locker room after a move that could make or break the team’s morale. The upcoming games will be crucial for New York; if the team can’t close the gap behind the wildcard spots, the bubble may burst completely, and the relationship between the front office and players could reach a breaking point.
The Rangers have lost too many key players in less than six months, and while everyone understands the NHL is a business, it’s ultimately held together by wins. Unfortunately, New York hasn’t stacked enough of those together.
New York Rangers Mika Zibanejad during a regular season NHL game between New York Rangers and Washington Capitals on March 5, 2020 in New York.
Open for business
Chris Drury certainly didn’t lowball his approach when he sent out a memo to the rest of the league stating that “New York is open for business“.As the Rangers prepare to face the crestfallen Nashville Predators, forward Reilly Smith will serve as a healthy scratch for roster management reasons. This move only means one thing: a trade involving the 33-year-old, who joined NYC this season, is imminent.
