Avalanche Set to Unveil New Defenseman Against Penguins

When Nathan MacKinnon and Sidney Crosby take the ice together, the spotlight naturally follows. The two Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, natives helped lead Canada to victory in the 4 Nations Face-Off last month, but on Tuesday, they’ll be on opposing sides as MacKinnon’s Colorado Avalanche host Crosby’s Pittsburgh Penguins in Denver.

However, this time, their head-to-head matchup may take a backseat to another storyline—the debut of newly acquired defenseman Ryan Lindgren. The Avalanche traded for Lindgren and forward Jimmy Vesey from the New York Rangers over the weekend, and one or both could make their first appearance in a Colorado sweater against Pittsburgh.

Avalanche Bolster Blue Line with Lindgren Addition

Colorado’s biggest move ahead of the NHL trade deadline was acquiring Ryan Lindgren, a rugged shutdown defenseman who played on the Rangers’ top pairing alongside Adam Fox. Lindgren is expected to slot into the Avalanche’s second defensive pairing, providing much-needed support behind Cale Makar and Devon Toews.

The trade comes at the perfect time for Colorado, as Josh Manson’s injury has tested their defensive depth. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar is thrilled about the addition.

“That’s a big add,” Bednar said. “He’s a strong penalty killer, brings physicality, and helps close out plays in the defensive zone. It’s going to take some of the burden off Makar and Toews, especially on the penalty kill.”

Lindgren isn’t known for his offensive production—he has just 19 points (two goals, 17 assists) this season—but his defensive reliability makes him a key acquisition for the Avalanche’s final 21 games.

MacKinnon, meanwhile, continues to dominate offensively. He currently leads the NHL in scoring with 91 points (23 goals, 68 assists), while Makar remains the top-scoring defenseman in the league with 67 points (22 goals, 45 assists).

Avalanche Aim to Gain Ground in the Central Division

While Colorado currently holds the top wild-card spot in the Western Conference, their sights are set on climbing the Central Division standings. The Avalanche are within striking distance of the Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars, and with the trade deadline approaching, every point matters.

A win over Pittsburgh would keep them in the hunt for a top-three divisional finish, avoiding the uncertainty of a wild-card battle.

Penguins Facing Uncertain Future Ahead of Trade Deadline

While the Avalanche are gearing up for a postseason push, the Penguins are in danger of missing the playoffs for the third straight season.

Despite being 37 years old, Sidney Crosby continues to carry Pittsburgh, leading the team with 65 points (19 goals, 46 assists). Rickard Rakell (52 points), Bryan Rust (46 points), and Erik Karlsson (45 points) round out the Penguins’ top scorers, but the team has lacked the consistency needed to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

The Penguins will once again be without Michael Bunting, who is sidelined after undergoing an emergency appendectomy last week.

Adding to their uncertainty, Pittsburgh recalled goaltender Tristan Jarry from the AHL after a disappointing stretch in the NHL earlier this season. Jarry was placed on waivers in January, went unclaimed, and was assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton before getting another shot with the big club. Whether he starts against Colorado remains to be seen.

With the NHL trade deadline looming on Friday, the Penguins could be in for more roster moves. Veteran players could be on the move, and the possibility of trades has created some tension in the locker room.

“It’s a business. I’ve known that since I was 21 years old,” said Kris Letang, one of three Penguins players (along with Crosby and Evgeni Malkin) who are 37 or older. “Whatever happens, happens.”

Who Has the Edge?

The Avalanche are playing at home, have an improved blue line, and possess one of the most dynamic offenses in the NHL, making them the clear favorites. MacKinnon is having an MVP-caliber season, and with Makar and Toews leading the defense, they have the firepower to overpower Pittsburgh.

The Penguins, meanwhile, are trying to block out trade speculation and stay competitive, but with an uncertain goaltending situation and injuries limiting their depth, they face an uphill battle against a surging Avalanche team.

With Lindgren potentially making his Colorado debut, all eyes will be on how well he integrates into the lineup. Will his presence give the Avalanche the defensive boost they need to continue their climb in the standings? Or will Crosby and the Penguins pull off a much-needed road win before the trade deadline shakes up their roster?

Tuesday night’s showdown in Denver will provide the answer.

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