The Boston Bruins are expected to try to improve their defensive group this off-season. It is understandable, as they are coming off a bad season and undoubtedly need more stability on their backend.

It appears that they are eyeing a player who they are already quite familiar with, as The Fourth Period reported that the Bruins are among the teams linked to pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) defenseman Ryan Lindgren.

Lindgren, 27, was selected by the Bruins with the 49th overall pick of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. However, the left-shot defenseman never ended up playing in a game for the Bruins, as he was traded to the New York Rangers at the 2018 NHL trade deadline in the move that brought Rick Nash to Boston. This is a move that did not age well for the Bruins.

Hearing that the Bruins are reportedly interested in reuniting with Lindgren is understandable. The Minnesota native is a solid top-four defensive defenseman when playing at his best. In addition, he works well on the penalty kill, which adds to his appeal.

Lindgren appeared in 72 games this season split between the New York Rangers and Avalanche, where he recorded four goals, 18 assists, 22 points, 80 hits, and 128 blocks.

Overall, with the Bruins' blueline needing help, Lindgren could make sense for the Bruins to sign to an affordable short-term deal. However, with the Bruins already having three left-shot defensemen in Nikita Zadorov, Hampus Lindholm, and Mason Lohrei signed, Lindgren or another one of them would need to move to the right side if the Bruins successfully signed their former draft pick.

Bruins Sign Big Defenseman To Contract Extension The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins">Boston Bruins</a> have made a notable move, as the Original Six club has signed defenseman Mason Lohrei to a two-year, $6.4 million contract extension. Starting next season, the 6-foot-5 defenseman will carry a $3.2 million cap hit.

Bruins Rumors: Boston Linked To Former Draft Pick