Former Avalanche defenseman Ryan Lindgren is headed to injured reserve and is expected to miss at least four to six weeks after taking a hard hit from behind Tuesday night.
The Kraken made the move Thursday, saying Lindgren has an upper-body injury that should keep him out for at least 10 games and likely into November.
The injury came quickly. Lindgren was caught on a hit from behind by Vegas Golden Knights forward Marc Gatcomb just 15 seconds into the game. He was shaken up, but stayed on the bench and finished the opening period before Seattle ruled him out for the rest of the night.
Lindgren had been a steady part of Seattle’s blue line to start the season, playing in all four of the team’s first games and averaging 12:45 of ice time per night. He entered Tuesday still looking for his first point, though he did carry a plus-3 rating.
Against Vegas, his night ended after six shifts and just 3:57 on the ice. He remained on the bench after the hit, but was gone from Seattle’s bench once the second period started.
For the Avalanche, Lindgren’s time in Denver was brief but came at a key moment. Colorado wanted more physical play and veteran presence on defense, and Lindgren was also seen as a possible long-term answer for Sam Girard.
That never came to pass. Lindgren played 18 regular-season games for Colorado, scoring two goals with one assist. He missed the final three regular-season games, then returned for the playoffs and appeared in the first-round series against the Dallas Stars.
The Avalanche lost that series in seven games, ending Lindgren’s stint in Denver. He left in free agency and signed a four-year, $18 million contract with Seattle, a deal that carries a $4.5 million cap hit through the 2028-29 season.
Last season, Lindgren played 76 games for the Kraken and finished with nine points, including two goals and seven assists. The offense wasn’t what he was hoping for, but Seattle kept leaning on his work on the defensive end.
Now the Kraken will have to get by without him for the foreseeable future. Seattle’s next game is Friday against the Detroit Red Wings.
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