Ryan Lindgren has been a significant part of the New York Rangers defense since the start of the 2019-20 season, and at times, he's been a key contributor.

But despite their recent success, it might be time for a change on their blue line regarding Lindgren.

For one, the Rangers defense has become a concern, and Lindgren is at the top of the list of reasons why.

Following Saturday's 6-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, the Rangers have some of the worst teamwide defensive metrics in the league. They are 26th in the league in scoring chances against per 60 minutes, 27th in high-danger scoring chances against per 60 minutes and 27th in expected goals against per 60 minutes (all numbers via Natural Stat Trick).

The goaltending of Igor Shesterkin and Jonathan Quick is, again, the key factor in them not allowing goals.

It is working for now, and they still might have enough goaltending and offense to win a lot of games in the regular season.

But recent history suggests this recipe might not be sustainable for a Stanley Cup championship, which should be the only goal and expectation for where the Rangers are right now.

To get there, it might be time for some changes. Lindgren might be one they could make.

He is in the final year of his contract with a $4.5 million salary-cap number, and while he does still have some defensive value, the Rangers need to do more to mobilize their defense and place an emphasis on moving the puck. He might still be a trade chip, that salary-cap space might be put to better use, and they need to do more to open up a consistent lineup spot for a young player like Zac Jones.

So let's take a look at some potential landing spots for Lindgren if the Rangers decide—or try—to make a change to their defense.

Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers have one of the NHL's best defensive pairings in Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm, a duo that has mostly dominated since they have been together over the past two years.

But they are desperately lacking depth behind them, and the team has not been able to find any sort of consistent pairing beyond them.

Could there be some potential for a hockey trade here where maybe some struggling players get flipped for one another, with the Oilers taking on Lindgren to help add a defensive presence to their second or third-defense pairing, and the Rangers potentially taking on Viktor Arvidsson or Jeff Skinner that has maybe not panned out as hoped in Edmonton?

Vegas Golden Knights

Vegas is in a somewhat similar situation to the Rangers, where they have a good record and a lot of talent, but they have a big problem with defending against chances and limiting opportunities against.

They could use a defensive upgrade on their blue line, and for whatever flaws Lindgren might have offensively or with moving the puck he still does provide some defensive value.

Vegas might also have the defensive structure as a team and the puck-movers on its blue line to be able to better take advantage of Lindgren's defensive presence. They might not require him to play 20 minutes per night or in a top-four role like the Rangers have been asking, and could put him into spots where he could play a more limited role and focus on what he does well without his flaws holding back the roster.

It would also probably be preferred for the Rangers to ship him West.

It might require some salary-cap creativity, with the Rangers either taking on another contract, involving a third team, or simply retaining salary (or perhaps all of the above) to make it work from a numbers standpoint for Vegas, but it might work from a hockey standpoint.

Detroit Red Wings

The Red Wings are in a pretty grim spot and looking like a team that might be on their way to an eighth consecutive non-playoff season. That cannot be tolerated much longer, and while they have issues all over the lineup—from scoring depth to defensive play—the defense has been a pretty significant issue the past two seasons.

They still have some salary-cap flexibility to work with, and Lindgren might actually be a useful addition because he might have the ability to play the role they had envisioned Ben Chiarot playing when they signed him in free agency a few years ago—a solid, capable defensive veteran who is actually good at defending.

There would not be any long-term commitment for the Red Wings beyond this season, it probably would not require a premium draft pick or package of players, and it might result in a little short-term upgrade to badly improve some defensive play.

Chicago Blackhawks

The previous three teams might have some use or need for a player like Lindgren in an effort to try and make the playoffs this season.

Chicago might have a different sort of approach.

What if they were wiling to just serve as a contract dumping ground for the Rangers to clear salary-cap space?

The Blackhawks have more than enough cap space to take on the remainder of Lindgren's contract for this season, he could provide at least some sort of stabilizing defensive presence for a young, rebuilding team. If they do take on the remainder of Lindgren's contract, they might be able to land a draft pick for the trouble.

Every rebuilding team with cap space to spare should be looking for potential trades like that.

The Rangers need the space. The Blackhawks should offer to help.