The Colorado Avalanche and New York Rangers shook up the NHL on March 1, 2025, with a trade involving five players and two picks as the league approaches its trade deadline. Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland continues to refine his roster, acquiring defenseman Ryan Lindgren, forward Jimmy Vesey, and unsigned prospect Hank Kempf from the Rangers, all for veteran defenseman Calvin de Haan, young forward Juuso Parssinen, and draft picks.
Colorado's decision to part with de Haan, who had zero goals and seven assists this season, is part of their strategic move to bolster their defensive capabilities as they aim for playoff contention. Lindgren, on the other hand, has had moderate success with the Rangers, registering 12 goals and 87 assists over his seven-year NHL career, with 2 goals and 17 assists recorded this season. According to the Colorado Avalanche, "We have acquired Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey from the New York Rangers in exchange for Calvin de Haan and Juuso Parssinen."
The Rangers, who are just outside the playoff picture, will benefit from the potential of Parssinen, who has 11 points over 37 games this season, and de Haan’s veteran presence as they look to reconfigure their roster. Both players come with less than $1 million cap hits, allowing New York to make potential larger moves later on. The Associated Press cited, "Lindgren gives Colorado some left-handed-shooting depth on the blue line," easing the burden on their 13th-ranked penalty kill unit.
Vesey, who has played for numerous teams throughout his career, notched his 100th goal last season but had struggled for ice time this year, averaging under 10 minutes per game with the Rangers. Many analysts believe he could see a more significant role within Colorado’s lineup, defined as "a great opportunity for Vesey to showcase his skills" as the Avalanche prepare for their upcoming match against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Meanwhile, Kempf is currently playing for Cornell University, having not participated yet this season. He could add valuable depth moving forward as he transitions to the pros. His previous experience with current Avalanche player Sam Malinski provides additional synergies for them on the roster.
The Avalanche also included two draft picks — a second-round pick and a fourth-rounder — enticing the Rangers to accept the deal. The Rangers shift their strategy to accumulate future assets, with emphasis on using the additional picks for possible trades as rumors circulate they are preparing to make moves for more offensive firepower.
While this deal hinges less on high-profile players, both teams have distinctly evaluated their paths. Colorado is focused on solidifying their defense and offensive depth heading toward the postseason, whereas the Rangers are seeking ways to clear cap space and re-enter the playoff conversation without losing their important assets for nothing.
This trade aligns with the broader league dynamics as teams reevaluate their positions and formulate plans for the remaining season. Some speculate if this marks the beginning of more trades between the teams surrounding the trade deadline, with players like Lindgren and Vesey becoming pivotal to their respective teams’ playoff hopes.
With the aforementioned trades, it seems apparent MacFarland is not finished. He has continued to deepen his roster, stated one analyst, noting, "Chris MacFarland continues to tinker with his roster." It remains to be seen what else may develop as teams navigate these high-stakes final days leading up to the trade deadline on March 7.
The Avalanche currently holds the first wild-card spot with their 35-24-2 record, eager to capitalize on their roster additions as the end of the regular season approaches. Meanwhile, the Rangers, with their 29-26-4 record, are hoping this trade provides them the momentum necessary to spark a turnaround and re-establish their status as playoff contenders.
This significant trade is likely to shape the narratives for both franchises as they head toward the final stretch of the season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these new additions impact their teams and if any additional moves materialize leading up to the deadline.