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.

The Avalanche has a clear need on the blue line. Colorado has added several options to be the No. 6 defenseman since the end of last season, including de Haan as a free agent, but none of them have found a regular, successful spot next to Sam Malinski on the third pairing.