Theo Lindstein

September 2023 – Lindstein’s offensive contributions were non-existent in three games at the World Junior Summer Showcase, as he failed to score a single point. This was a deception considering he produced a point per game last season in U18 tournaments. The reason for this could be the upgraded competition level since this tournament was U20. Alternatively, it could also be due to the tournament’s brevity and the team’s lack of chemistry. Cedrick Blais-Turcotte 

July 2023 – Despite a lack of production, Lindstein managed to play 32 games in the SHL last season. He was the youngest player on Brynas IF, and when he played against competition his age, he showed some offensive flair. Before bringing him to North America, the Blues will most likely let him play at least another season or two in the SHL, so he can gain as much experience as possible. Cedrick Blais-Turcotte

June 2023 – Lindstein has been selected 29th overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 2023 NHL Draft. Curtis Rines

September 2022 – Lindstein frequently handles the puck behind the net while his team is changing lines. While patience is generally not a negative trait, Lindstein takes long periods of time that will not be afforded to him if he continues this role at the men’s level. He needs to add more pace to this transitional play, but it should be noted that this is partially a reflection of his teammates and his club’s overall game strategy. 

While he tends to accumulate more assists than goals, Lindstein’s shot should not be ignored. Many of his assists are tip-ins or accurate passes to the slot. While being an offensively talented player, Lindstein is also responsible with his positioning. He shifts laterally along the blue line to keep the puck in the offensive zone, occasionally skating farther in to follow a shot, though he typically stays above the faceoff circles once his team controls play in the zone. He is almost always the first player back in the defensive zone and has good footwork when he needs to transition in reverse. On defense, Lindstein could use a bit more muscle, but that doesn’t stop him from being aggressive. No matter if he’s along the boards or trying to move a screen, he holds his own in physical play. 

Lindstein is an effortless skater with a fluid stride, but I find that he doesn’t use his power enough at the junior level, particularly. The SHL certainly challenges him to up the tempo more. His explosiveness is a core aspect of many of his scoring plays, so utilizing that skill would further his success. Alexa Potack