Though they’ve been rumored to be close to a deal for weeks, the New York Rangers officially announced they’ve come to terms with free agent forward Michael Lindqvist today. Though he’s currently only 23, Lindqvist will be forced to sign a one-year entry-level contract with the Rangers since he turns 24 before September 15th. That means he’ll be scheduled to become a restricted free agent in the summer of 2019.
Several teams were reportedly pursuing Lindqvist, who experienced a breakout season in the SHL. After several years in the lower Swedish league, he found a home with Farjestad this season and ended up with 34 points in 33 games. That was good enough for fourth among all SHL players under 24 years old, and bodes well for his future in professional hockey.
Unfortunately, questions will be asked about whether or not Lindqvist will be able to survive the grind of the North American game. Listed at 5’11” 176-lbs by the Rangers, he doesn’t play a heavy game and instead relies on quickness and skill to create offensive opportunities. While the NHL and its minor leagues are moving more towards this style of play, there is still an added level of physicality—not to mention a longer season with a higher frequency of games—that is required.
The Rangers have made it clear that they’re after speed and skill as part of their rebuild, and Lindqvist certainly fits the mold. He’ll challenge for a spot in training camp, but is certainly not guaranteed a role on the team immediately.