Ryan Lindgren returns to NY Rangers practice; to play in Tampa

Per Larry Brooks, Ryan Lindgren has returned to Rangers practice, taking his normal spot on the top pair with Adam Fox. Naturally, this put Niko Mikkola back on the third pair with Braden Schneider and pushed Ben Harpur back to the press box. Lindgren will play tomorrow, per Gerard Gallant.

Lindgren’s return to the lineup is much needed for the Rangers simply to balance out the defense pairs. Moreover, Lindgren appears to be a key cog in the locker room, given how porous the Rangers have been defensively and in first periods since his injury. One injury shouldn’t have this much of an impact, but clearly Lindgren’s did.

Lindgren’s return should also help the Rangers with load management as the season winds down. He too needs to be eased back into the lineup, but it will help in getting others some rest.