Over the long run, the Rangers could well miss Oscar Lindberg, the 25-year-old Swede who was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in Wednesday’s expansion draft extravaganza following a breakout playoff performance.

But in the short run, and within context of the fourth-line center’s place on the depth chart and his usage over his first two NHL seasons by coach Alain Vigneault, the Rangers escaped relatively unscathed as concerns 2017-18.

In sacrificing Lindberg to the NHL’s 31st franchise, the Blueshirts were able to hold onto backup goaltender Antti Raanta, 27-goal-scoring speedster Michael Grabner and valuable checking wing Jesper Fast, all of whom were also exposed to the draft and have more immediate value to the club.

While up to 10 teams are believed to have made trades with the Golden Knights in order to direct the Golden Knights’ selections, The Post has confirmed Rangers general manager Jeff Gorton did not enter into any such deal with his counterpart in the desert, George McPhee.

Lindberg scored three goals in the playoffs, all coming in the second round against Ottawa following an impressive two-way showing against Montreal in the opening round of the tournament. But given the Blueshirts’ depth chart in the middle that, at least for now, features Derek Stepan, Mika Zibanejad and Kevin Hayes, Lindberg was probably ticketed for another season on the fourth line.

And even if the Blueshirts do trade Stepan once the NHL roster freeze is lifted Thursday morning, it is likely the team would have either sought to acquire a top-six center on the free-agent market or move J.T. Miller back to his original position on the middle rather than elevate Lindberg. Now, of course, either of the above options would become mandatory if Stepan is moved.

Lindberg missed the early portion of last season following hip surgery during the preceding summer and then understandably struggled to catch up. He recorded 20 points (8-12) in 65 games after posting 28 points (13-15) in 65 games the previous season as a rookie during which he skated primarily at left wing. A restricted free agent, Lindberg is expected to compete for a top-line center spot for Vegas.

“Oscar loves New York and he loves winning, but he also loves ice time,” Claude Lemieux, Lindberg’s agent, told The Post. “He’s going to have a great opportunity to play major minutes and a major role in Vegas.”

The fleet Boo Nieves, who spent his rookie pro season with the AHL Wolf Pack last season, is probably the leading candidate from within to assume the center slot on the Rangers’ fourth line. Former Ranger Brian Boyle, who would provide a critical upgrade at the dots and on the penalty kill, is an impending free agent, though the chance of a reunion is probably remote.

Raanta, who went 16-6-2 in 26 starts with four shutouts and overall .922 save percentage and 2.26 GAA, has one year remaining on his contract. Thus, it is possible the Blueshirts could seek to recoup assets by trading the 28-year-old Finn rather than allowing him to scoot for free next year. Raanta, who was the subject of several inquiries prior to the protected lists being filed last Friday, carries a $1 million cap charge.

If that is the case, the Rangers would be in the market for a backup to Henrik Lundqvist who could be entrusted with up to 25 starts. Ondrej Pavelec and Anders Nilsson are impending free agents who could fit into the backup cap slot.

Rangers 23-year-old defenseman Brady Skjei was named to the NHL All-rookie team, it was announced Wednesday night.

After playing seven games and five playoff games in 2015-16, the Rangers’ first-round pick (28th overall) from 2012 kept his rookie status and ranked second among rookie blueliners this past season with 34 assists, 39 points and a plus-11 rating in 80 appearances.

His 39 points were the most by a Rangers rookie defenseman since Brian Leetch in 1988-89.

— Brett Cyrgalis