The Rangers parted ways with two of their veterans on Saturday, as they defenseman Ryan Lindgren and winger Jimmy Vesey to Colorado in a deal with the Avalanche.

Where Lindgren fits on the depth chart, and how he performs in what will likely be a different role than in New York, could be a case study for future player evaluation. Lindgren has spent most of his 5-on-5 ice time next to Adam Fox on New York’s top pairing, over the past several seasons.

Lindgren was the heart and soul of the defense, but general manager Chris Drury understood what needed to be done — and still does.