The Colorado Avalanche and the New York Rangers got a head start on the trade deadline in a significant swap on Saturday.
The deal involved several interesting pieces. Here’s a look at the trade breakdown:
Avalanche get:
- D Ryan Lindgren
- F Jimmy Vesey
- UDC Hank Kempf
Rangers get:
- D Calvin de Haan
- F Juuso Parsinen
- 2025 second-round pick
- 2025 fourth-round pick
Details ⬇️https://t.co/3w0A65ym0X
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) March 1, 2025
On the surface, this deal looks like a minor exchange of depth pieces. But there’s plenty more bubbling beneath the surface.
The biggest piece heading to Colorado is Ryan Lindgren. At one point, the Rangers viewed Lindgren as a future star. However, he hasn’t taken the next step this season and likely got the heave-ho as he’s slated to be an RFA at the end of this season.
Vesey has been a bit of a journeyman since being one of the highest-profile NCAA players to make it to the NHL. Unfortunately, he hasn’t really stuck with any team. Vesey will likely hit the bottom six for the Avs, perhaps playing most fourth-line minutes.
The Avs also get the rights to Hank Kempf. The 22-year-old blue liner is currently playing with Cornell University and will need a contract this upcoming season. Kempf was a teammate of Sam Malinski, meaning there is a logical connection there.
Colorado Avalanche paying the price for defensive support
The Avalanche sent a second and a fourth-round pick to the Rangers in the deal. The two picks are mostly intended to round out their draft. Before the trade, the Ranger's didn't have a first or second-round pick. The fourth from Colorado is the Rangers’ second fourth-rounder this year, adding to one fifth-rounder, two sixth-rounders, and one-seventh rounder.
Now, it’s likely the Rangers don’t hold on to these picks. It’s very likely the Rangers use these picks as part of larger trade. There’s talk that the Rangers are in the market for more help upfront, so these picks could come in handy.
However, I will say this: The Rangers are struggling to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff race. As such, this trade could be a way for the Rangers to raise the white flag on the season, essentially reloading for next season.
De Haan and Parssinen are placeholders at the moment. Perhaps we could see the Rangers make a play for a high-profile forward and/or blue liner. That is why the need to clear cap space by moving Lindgren.
As for the Avalanche, getting Lindgren is a bold move. He’s just the type of player the Avs needed to hedge against the loss of a top-four defenseman like Josh Manson, Devon Toews, or Sam Girard.
While I don’t think the Avs are done making deals this season, in my estimation, Chris MacFarland will be targeting a third-string goalie as insurance for the playoffs.