Ryan Lindgren Bio
Ryan Lindgren is an American professional ice hockey player born on February 11, 1998, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He plays as a defenseman for the Seattle Kraken in the National Hockey League (NHL) and is recognized for his physical, defense-first style of play. Selected 49th overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Lindgren has built his career with the New York Rangers and the Colorado Avalanche before joining Seattle. Over his NHL tenure, he has become known for shot blocking, penalty killing, and steady two-way contributions.
Early Life and Background
Ryan Lindgren was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he grew up in a hockey-oriented household. His older brother, Charlie Lindgren, is a professional goaltender currently playing for the Washington Capitals, giving Ryan an early immersion in the goaltender’s perspective that later shaped his defensive reads. The Minneapolis youth hockey scene provided a strong development environment, and Lindgren progressed through local programs before joining the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP).
At the NTDP, Lindgren refined his defensive game, captaining squads on the international stage and earning recognition for his physicality and reliability. He also committed to the University of Minnesota, although he would never suit up for the Golden Gophers after turning professional. His path through USA Hockey’s development pipeline helped establish him as one of the top American defensive prospects of his draft class.
Path to Hockey
Lindgren’s rise through the hockey ranks began in earnest with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, where he served as captain of the United States entries at the 2015 World U-17 Hockey Challenge and the 2016 World U-18 Championships. At the 2016 U-18 event, he recorded two goals and three assists in seven games, helping the United States to a bronze medal and solidifying his status as a draft prospect.
His strong two-way play earned him a spot on the gold-medal-winning United States junior team at the 2017 World Junior Championships, followed by an alternate captain role on the bronze-medal squad at the 2018 World Junior Championships. These international showings, combined with his physical and disciplined approach, convinced the Boston Bruins to select him 49th overall in the second round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. After his junior career concluded, Lindgren was traded to the New York Rangers in February 2018, signaling the start of his NHL journey.
Ryan Lindgren Career
Early Career (2016-2018)
Following his selection by the Boston Bruins in 2016, Lindgren continued his development within the Bruins organization while finishing his final season with the NTDP. The Bruins held his rights until the 2017-18 season, during which he was viewed as a steady, defense-first prospect with leadership qualities.
On February 25, 2018, the New York Rangers acquired Lindgren, along with a 2018 first-round pick, Ryan Spooner, Matt Beleskey, and a 2019 seventh-round pick, in a trade that sent Rick Nash to the Bruins. He signed his entry-level contract with the Rangers on March 22, 2018, and joined their American Hockey League affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, on an amateur tryout the following day. Lindgren chose to forgo his remaining collegiate eligibility at the University of Minnesota to begin his professional career.
New York Rangers Breakthrough (2018-2025)
Lindgren split the 2018-19 season between Hartford and New York, recording his first NHL recall on January 15, 2019, against the Carolina Hurricanes. He appeared in three games with the Rangers before being returned to the Wolf Pack, using the AHL stint to refine his defensive reliability.
After establishing himself as a full-time NHLer, Lindgren signed a three-year contract with the Rangers on May 10, 2021. The 2022-23 season marked his most productive offensive year, posting a career-high 17 assists and 18 points in 63 games while leading the team with a plus-29 rating. He blocked 91 shots and averaged 2:06 of short-handed ice time per game, second most on the Rangers. On November 30, 2022, he recorded a career-high three-assist game against the Ottawa Senators, joining a select group of Rangers defensemen to reach that mark. On April 10, 2023, Lindgren received the Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, becoming the first player recognized for his leadership, on-ice impact, and community values. On July 30, 2024, he re-signed with the Rangers on a one-year, $4.5 million extension to avoid salary arbitration.
Colorado Avalanche Era (2025)
On March 1, 2025, the Rangers traded Lindgren, along with Jimmy Vesey and prospect Hank Kempf, to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Calvin de Haan, Juuso Pärssinen, and two conditional 2025 draft picks. His time in Colorado was brief, but the move provided Lindgren with a contending roster and a fresh environment to contribute in a depth defensive role.
Seattle Kraken Era (2025-Present)
As a free agent at the conclusion of his contract with the Avalanche, Lindgren signed a four-year, $18 million contract with the Seattle Kraken on July 1, 2025. The deal signaled a significant commitment from Seattle, who valued his shot-blocking, penalty killing, and veteran presence. Lindgren joined a young Kraken blue line looking to add stability and a physical element to its defensive corps.
Driving Style and Strengths
Lindgren is widely regarded as a defensive defenseman who plays a physical, stay-at-home game. His strengths include elite shot blocking, reliable penalty killing, and the ability to log difficult matchups against top opposing forwards. Teammates and coaches have consistently praised his willingness to sacrifice his body and his steady positional play in high-pressure situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Lindgren’s signature moments is his 2023 Steven McDonald Extra Effort Award, reflecting his leadership and community impact with the Rangers. He also recorded a career-high three-assist performance on November 30, 2022, against the Ottawa Senators, and captained Team USA to a bronze medal at the 2016 World U-18 Championships and a gold medal at the 2017 World Junior Championships. His trade to the Colorado Avalanche in March 2025 and subsequent four-year deal with the Seattle Kraken marked a new chapter in his NHL journey.
Ryan Lindgren Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Lindgren comes from a hockey family rooted in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His older brother, Charlie Lindgren, is a professional goaltender who currently plays for the Washington Capitals, and the two have credited their family for shaping their competitive drive and love for the game.
Personal Life
Ryan Lindgren maintains a relatively private personal life. He is the brother of Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren, and the brothers remain closely connected through their shared NHL careers.
2025 Season Performance
Lindgren began 2025 with the New York Rangers before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche on March 1, 2025. His stint in Colorado offered a contending environment and the opportunity to contribute to a deep playoff push, even as his time with the club was limited.
Following the conclusion of his contract with the Avalanche, Lindgren entered free agency and signed a four-year, $18 million contract with the Seattle Kraken on July 1, 2025. The signing positioned him as a veteran anchor on a young Kraken blue line in need of defensive structure. His shot-blocking and penalty-killing pedigree were viewed as central to Seattle’s team identity.
Entering the 2025-26 NHL season, Lindgren is expected to log top-four minutes and key penalty-killing duties for the Kraken. His combination of physicality, defensive reliability, and leadership is expected to play a central role as Seattle aims to build on its young core and return to Stanley Cup contention.