The Detroit Red Wings have found another opportunity for one of their young prospects, this time loaning Gustav Lindstrom to Almtuna of the Swedish second league. Lindstrom, like many other Detroit youngsters including Mortiz Seider and Filip Zadina, is expected back for training camp in a few months.
Like Seider, Lindstrom is another exciting defense prospect for the Red Wings who could make an impact in the coming years. In fact, the 21-year-old did make his NHL debut this year, suiting up for 16 Detroit games during his first year in North America. The second-round pick from 2017 actually has experience at the SHL level as well, making it an interesting decision to send him back to the Allsvenskan. Detroit could be hoping that he will get huge minutes there in a league he had already graduated from while he prepares to make the NHL roster in November.
In 45 games for the Grand Rapids Griffins, Lindstrom recorded just five points but was an encouraging presence on the blueline. The Red Wings philosophy for years was to “overripen” players in the minor leagues before bringing them up to the NHL, but given how poor the big club performed this season there may be more opportunity for young players. Getting his legs under him overseas will only give Lindstrom a headstart on the competition.