Lindgren was the heart and soul of the defense, but general manager Chris Drury understood what needed to be done — and still does.

Ryan Lindgren officially touched down in Denver and was practicing with the Colorado Avalanche just one day after being traded from the New York Rangers. It’s been a weird season for both Lindgren and the Rangers.

The Avalanche has a clear need on the blue line. Colorado has added several options to be the No. 6 defenseman since the end of last season, including de Haan as a free agent, but none of them have found a regular, successful spot next to Sam Malinski on the third pairing.