### Seattle Kraken Bolster Defense with Ryan Lindgren's Four-Year Contract The Seattle Kraken have made a significant move in the NHL free agency by signing defenseman Ryan Lindgren to a four-year contract worth $18 million, averaging $4.5 million annually. This signing comes as the Kraken aim to strengthen their defensive lineup after a challenging season where they allowed an average of 3.20 goals against per game. Lindgren, a 27-year-old blueliner, has a solid track record, having played 405 career regular-season games with the New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche, and is expected to bring his defensive prowess to Seattle's roster [https://apnews.com/article/kraken-ryan-lindgren-contract-49e45c373e7a07ddf4bb3283615ccd9a][https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/seattle-kraken-agree-to-terms-with-defenseman-ryan-lindgren-to-four-year-contract-pr]. ### Overview of Ryan Lindgren's Signing and Impact 1. **Contract Details**: - Lindgren signed a four-year deal worth $18 million, with an average annual value (AAV) of $4.5 million [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/kraken_sign_lindgren_to_4_year_deal_with_45_million_aav/s1_16448_42401734]. 2. **Career Background**: - Drafted 49th overall by the Boston Bruins in 2016, Lindgren opted for college hockey before joining the NHL. He was traded to the New York Rangers in 2018 and has since played for both the Rangers and the Avalanche [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/meet_the_newest_seattle_kraken_ryan_lindgren/s1_16448_42419781]. 3. **Performance Metrics**: - In the previous season, Lindgren recorded 22 points (4 goals, 18 assists) in 72 games and contributed three assists in seven playoff games [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/seattle_kraken_sign_depth_defenceman/s1_17203_42401223]. - He has a career total of 102 points (14 goals, 88 assists) and is known for his defensive reliability, averaging nearly 20 minutes of ice time per game [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/kraken_sign_lindgren_to_4_year_deal_with_45_million_aav/s1_16448_42401734]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Career Statistics**: - **Games Played**: 405 - **Points**: 102 (14 goals, 88 assists) - **Plus/Minus Rating**: +99 - **Hits**: 594 - **Blocked Shots**: 593 - **Average Ice Time**: 19:05 minutes per game [https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/seattle_kraken_sign_depth_defenceman/s1_17203_42401223][https://www.yardbarker.com/nhl/articles/meet_the_newest_seattle_kraken_ryan_lindgren/s1_16448_42419781]. ### Conclusion: Lindgren's Role in the Kraken's Future **Key Takeaways**: 1. **Strategic Signing**: The Kraken's acquisition of Ryan Lindgren is a strategic move to enhance their defensive capabilities after a lackluster season defensively. 2. **Proven Track Record**: Lindgren brings a wealth of experience and a strong defensive mindset, which is crucial for the Kraken as they aim to improve their performance in the upcoming season. 3. **Potential Impact**: With his ability to log significant ice time and contribute defensively, Lindgren is expected to be a key player in the Kraken's lineup, potentially solidifying their top four defense alongside other established players [https://www.nhl.com/kraken/news/seattle-kraken-agree-to-terms-with-defenseman-ryan-lindgren-to-four-year-contract-pr][https://www.fox13seattle.com/sports/lindgren-eager-new-opportunity-kraken].