After he was released from his professional tryout contract at Anaheim’s training camp this season, Gustav Lindstrom’s options were limited.
The Swedish native could have returned to Europe. Instead, he chose to re-sign with the Canadiens organization, knowing that probably meant another full season playing in the AHL for the Laval Rocket. But even at age 26, Lindstrom still believes a return to the NHL is possible.
And without hope, what do we have?
“It’s hard. I want to play,” Lindstrom told The Gazette this week after Rocket practice. “If it’s here, I want to be here. It doesn’t matter where you are, you just want to play, especially when you’re not too old. At my age I just want to play hockey and have fun.
“I come here every day to try and get better, do my best and get back.”
The 6-foot-2, 183-pounder was a second-round (38th overall) draft choice by Detroit in 2017.
Lindstrom has 174 NHL games to his credit, including 14 with the Canadiens following his August 2023 trade to Montreal, along with a conditional fourth-round 2025 draft choice, for defenceman Jeff Petry.
Recalled by the Canadiens that season on Oct. 24 after David Savard fractured his wrist, he spent two stints with Montreal, notching three goals and an assist, before being placed on waivers Jan. 9 and claimed the next day by the Ducks. Lindstrom played 32 games for Anaheim, recording six assists, but as a restricted free agent at the end of last season he wasn’t tendered a contract and became an unrestricted free agent.
“It was tough going to Anaheim on a tryout,” he said. “I didn’t expect to have to go on a PTO after the year I had. I think I played good enough to have a contract before coming into the season.”
Lindstrom scored his first goal for the Canadiens against Calgary on Nov. 14 and also relished scoring against the Red Wings for obvious reasons. While playing for two Original Six franchises has been memorable, Lindstrom’s time in the NHL hasn’t been without its obstacles.
“For the last two or three years, even if I’ve been up (in the NHL), you play one game and then you’re scratched for three,” he said. “Then you get to play for 10 minutes. It’s hard. I want to play. You have to take the chance (in your career) when you’re young, right away. It’s hard because every year there are new players coming in, new draft picks. If you don’t take the chance early on, I feel like it slips away.”
Lindstrom played four games with the Rocket last season. Even knowing Laval had a new head coach in Pascal Vincent, Lindstrom decided a return to the Canadiens organization was his best option. He signed a one-year, two-way contract Oct. 9, five days after being released by the Ducks.
“It was a weird feeling when I was released,” he admitted. “I didn’t have anything. When my agent called … I was really happy to come back here. I know most of the guys and liked the organization from before. I want to feel comfortable. It helps me play better.”
Considered a solid passer with defensive skill, Lindstrom has four goals and seven points in 24 games this season and is a plus-9. He has three goals in his last four games and scored the tying goal Wednesday night late in the third period as the Rocket defeated Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 4-3 in overtime at Place Bell. Laval overcame a 3-0 deficit with three goals in a span of 4:38. Goalie Cayden Primeau won his third consecutive game since being demoted by the Canadiens.
“He’s low maintenance for a coach,” Vincent said of Lindstrom. “He’s consistent. He’s a good skater who makes a good first pass. He works on his game, does video. His mindset is right.
“The last few weeks he has been really, really good at defending and moving the puck. He’s a guy that can play (in the NHL). There’s 32 teams. It doesn’t have to stop with the Montreal Canadiens for a guy like him. What is he missing? I’m not sure. A draft pick, to me, gives you a ticket to training camp. You have three years to showcase and establish yourself. Sometimes it’s timing, who’s in front of you, whose job you have to steal and the opportunities you get. The path to the NHL is different for everyone.”