“Could be good thing for me to get new start” – Oskar Lindblom signs two-year contract with Sharks

“Could be good thing for me to get new start” – Oskar Lindblom signs two-year contract with Sharks

Oskar Lindblom

Swedish ice hockey forward Oskar Lindblom signed a two-year contract (financial terms not disclosed) with the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday. Lindblom, 25, joined the Sharks one day after he was placed on waivers by the Philadelphia Flyers to buy out the final season of his contract.

The Gavle native, who had 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists) in 79 games last season, had one season remaining on the three-year, $9 million contract (average annual value of $3 million) he signed on July 22, 2020. However, he went unclaimed and became an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday.

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“You don’t want to get bought out from a team when you have one year left,” Lindblom said, as quoted by NHL.com. “But after that, when I started thinking it through, it could probably be a good thing for me to get a new start.

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“We had a really good talk with the (Sharks) management, and it just felt good from the start. So, I felt [it was] the right way to sign there and I’m really happy to do it and I’m excited that the season started.”

“Lindblom overcome significant obstacles in his young career”

Oskar Lindblom
Oskar Lindblom

Oskar Lindblom missed the remainder of the regular season when he was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, on December 10, 2019. However, he returned to play two games against the New York Islanders during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

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In the previous season (2020-21), Lindblom had 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 50 games and was voted winner of the Masterton Trophy, given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

“Oskar is a proven forward who can provide offensive upside in the middle of our lineup,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said. “He has overcome significant obstacles in his young career and his strength and desire to play hockey are immeasurable. We are happy to have him join our organization.”

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