Gustav Lindström

May 2019 – Despite a shortened season due to injury, the Red Wings are pleased with the progress Lindström showed this year in a championship season for Frölunda of the SHL. Lindström was relied on heavily in all situations, playing big minutes as a young defenseman on a team full of veterans. He possesses a very good shot, is a solid defender and enjoys playing physical. Lindström still projects as an all-around top-four defender at the NHL level. Mark Hillier

January 2018 – Not ranked nearly as high as he was drafted (38th overall), Lindstrom is a potential fantasy hockey sleeper candidate. As a depth defenceman on a stacked Team Sweden at the 2018 World Junior Hockey Championship, Lindstrom acquitted himself quite nicely on his way to a silver medal. While not as flashy as some of his teammates, Lindstrom is a steady and intelligent player, making the right play most of the time. He excels at first passes and makes quick and smart decisions. Lindstrom is also defensively responsible, has a very good shot and his skating has improved. At only 19 years of age, Lindstrom is already playing his second year of pro versus men in one of Sweden’s top leagues and has almost doubled his points-per-game pace from last season. Long-term, Lindstrom has potential to be an all around top four NHL defenceman with some offensive upside. Mark Hillier

July – Lindstrom is a 6-2, 187 lbs right handed Swedish defender that was ranked 25th on NHL Central Scouting’s final list of European skaters.  Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman and former Red Wing Nicklas Lidstrom had this to say about the young swede, “Gustav is good with the puck and good at finding open players with his first pass. He plays hard and his ‘compete level’ is high. Room for improvement in his skating but that will come as he plays against older players this year.” In 48 games with Almtuna IS of the Allsvenakan Lindstrom recorded two goals, nine points and was a minus -11. The Red Wings surprised many by selecting the young swede in the second round (earlier than expected) and Lindstrom can definitely be considered a project at this point. He will be brought along slowly by the organization and will continue to play in Sweden for a couple seasons before coming over to North America to develop in the AHL. It will likely be a couple seasons before the young Swede can be considered a fantasy option. Jameson Ewasiuk