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First-line defenseman Ryan Lindgren’s injury during the New York Rangers’ second preseason game has already presented a small obstacle. It may take him “weeks” to recover from his upper-body injuries, according to his label.

How do the defensive pairings alter now that he appears to be out of the starting lineup?

Taking Lindgren’s place?

This is a guess as to how the defense lines would appear on opening night.

With Lindgren out of the lineup for an indefinite period of time, Adam Fox, the top defenseman, needs a partner on his left. For the past few seasons, the two have been utterly devoted to one another.

Having stated that, K’Andre Miller is elevated to the first left defenseman post as it is now a next-man-up scenario. Though somewhat different from Lindgren’s, his approach is comparable. Both athletes are left-handed shooters, but Miller is a defender who leans more toward attack. However, Lindgren’s inventiveness with the puck should also not be overlooked.

The loss of toughness and grit is the main distinction between the two. Not to minimize or disparage Miller’s pain threshold, but no one else in the NHL is able to withstand the kind of abuse Lindgren gets every night.

What about the remaining pairs?

Lindgren moves up to the first line to take Lindgren’s spot. Miller will likely play with Jacob Trouba on the left side of the second defensive pairing. Zac Jones, who has been establishing himself during training camp and the preseason, is that person.

Braden Schneider on the right side and Chad Ruhwedel on the left side would round out the final defensive duo. Even once Lindgren returns from injury, this pair might be a great asset to the Rangers since one of them could go up to the seventh defenseman spot and alternate with Jones on the left side.

Remember that this is Ryan “The Warrior” Lindgren as well. The 2024–25 regular season is scheduled to begin in less than two weeks, so this “weeks” approximation may be settled before the season even begins. After that, all of this line-switching would simply return to its original state.