Charlie Lindgren

February 2018 – One week after signing a three-year, one-way extension with the team, Charlie Lindgren has been recalled by the Montreal Canadiens a day after Carey Price took a slap shot to the head in a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Price remained in the game, was not pulled by league concussion spotters and showed no ill signs after quickly removing his mask and talking to the team medical staff. He did not practice and the Canadiens still haven’t declared any injury to Price but announced Lindgren as an emergency call-up. The 24-year-old displayed his talent over the first five games allowing just seven goals and going 3-1-1. But the lack of support got the best of him (as it has everyone else in red, white and blue) and he eventually gave way allowing 12 goals over his next three games, dropping all decisions in regulation time. The situation isn’t so different in Laval, so the numbers aren’t flashy but he keeps the team competitive. If Price were to miss any time Antti Niemi would take over as the starter, but with the Habs well out of the playoff race Lindgren will surely steal some starts. Mike Barrett

September 2017 – Lindgren has had a good training camp and has outplayed Al Montoya for the role of the backup, but due to contract situations and age Montoya will likely hold onto the job. Lindgren will report to Laval where he will be heavily relied upon as the team’s starting goaltender. Mike Barrett

April 2017 – After recalling the St-John’s standout a week ago, Lindgren got the start versus the Florida Panthers (April 3rd) as Carey Price got some rest, and Al Montoya is still dealing with a lower-body injury. Lindgren was strong in his first and only other NHL appearance a year ago versus Carolina and repeated that effort against the Panthers on Monday night allowing just one goal on 32 shots and leading the Habs to a 4-1 division-clinching win in the Sunshine State. With three games left in the season, Lindgren may get another chance to strut his stuff as the Canadiens certainly want to keep Price fresh as they gear up for the post-season. Mike Barrett

November 2016 – Tall, quick, and technically sound, Charlie Lindgren has everything you look for in an NHL goalie. He has the ability to go post-to-post in the blink of an eye and excels at consistently taking away the bottom of the net. His cat-like reflexes result in numerous highlight reel saves, as his quick glove helps him when he challenges shooters.

Aside from possessing the desired size and athleticism for the position in today’s game, Charlie Lindgren is an exciting prospect because has an abundance of untapped potential. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of St. Cloud State, the 22-year-old was the top available college free agent goaltender coming off the most impressive campaign of his NCAA career. A 30-9-1 record, 2.13 GAA. .925 Sv%, and 5 shutouts were the gaudy numbers that ranked him first in NCHC wins, saves, and shutouts (T-2 others).

With 2,342 minutes spent in the blue paint as a senior, Lindgren displayed the ability to carry the load for a successful club.  He has again shown that ability this season, as no other Ice Caps goalie has started more than four games. He started the season with five straight wins and currently holds a 9-4-0 record, 2.22 GAA, and .933 Sv%.

It’s clear that he has already refined his game since turning pro, and his red-hot start certainly gives the franchise confidence down their goaltending pipeline.

He immediately jumped to the top of Montreal’s goaltending prospect depth chart and will compete for the job of backing up Carey Price come the 2017-18 season with a few call-ups in 2016-17. – Mike Barrett

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