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

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.

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.