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.

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

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.