Adam Fox and Ryan Lindgren were a consistent defensive pairing for the New York Rangers over the course of many years. 

They became familiar with each other’s game playing alongside each other while growing a strong friendship off the ice. 

That’s why when Ryan Lindgren was traded to the Colorado Avalanche on Mar. 2, Fox had to get adjusted to life without his partner in crime. 

“A lot of times you lines as forwards and chemistry in that sense, but I think defensemen have to have a lot of chemistry, knowing where each other are,” Fox said. “You play 300 something games with one guy, you get almost that second sense of where they are going to be, where the outlets are, the support the communication. 

“It’s definitely a bit of an adjustment when you’re switching D partners. There are different tendencies you adjust to. I think as long as there’s good communication, that eases a lot of the adjusting.”

From a personal standpoint, it’s been difficult for Fox to be without a truly special person in his life on a day-to-day basis.

Fox is feeling a wide range of emotions. While he’s sad not to have Lindgren by his side, he’s also happy to see him move onto this next chapter.

“It was obviously tough,” Fox said of Lindgren's departure. “Someone I’ve played with my whole career and knew from before. He clearly is doing well and I’m not surprised by that… I’m adjusting to it now, but definitely missing him around the room.”

Trading Lindgren wasn’t necessarily a surprise. The 27-year-old defenseman was set to hit the open market this summer with his contract expiring and the Rangers made it clear they weren’t in a position to let their unrestricted free agents walk without getting assets or players in return.

Fox does feel that if the Rangers were more competitive, the team may have not traded Lindgren, which leaves a bit of a sour taste in his mouth. 

“I think anyone going into that UFA has a sense,” Fox said. “Some of it is on us too. I’m sure if we had a better record, and more of a (playoff) push, I’m sure he would still be here. I think there’s always that possibility when he signed a one-year deal. It’s the nature of the business.It’s definitely different with him not around here.”

Since trading Lindgren, Fox has been paired alongside Urho Vaakanainen, but obviously, that could change.