UMass goaltender Filip Lindberg has been unable to reach a contract with the Minnesota Wild according to Michael Russo of The Athletic and could become an unrestricted free agent later this summer. Despite being drafted in 2019 and playing only three seasons of college hockey, the 22-year-old Lindberg’s exclusive draft rights will expire after his agent submitted a letter informing Minnesota of his intention to forego his senior season, leave the NCAA and turn pro. As Russo states, the goaltender will be eligible to sign with any team when free agency opens on July 28.
Lindberg was a seventh-round pick in 2019 as a 20-year-old, a lottery ticket based on only 17 (albeit excellent) games of college hockey. The .934 he posted as a freshman was proven to be no fluke, however, as he returned with two more outstanding seasons for the Minutemen, including a national championship this year. In 50 total games for UMass, Lindberg posted a 29-10-6 record, a .937 save percentage, and a 1.58 goals-against average. Sure, those numbers are boosted by a strong team in front of him, but he has turned from a seventh-round lottery ticket into a legitimate NHL prospect in short order.
When he does sign, Lindberg will be limited to inking a two-year, entry-level contract. In Minnesota, he could potentially see his path to the NHL blocked by fellow top prospect Kaapo Kahkonen, given veteran Cam Talbot’s remaining two years under contract. It’s unclear at this point which team would be the frontrunner to sign him, but make no mistake there will be interest in the college star if he hits the open market.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Well this sucks
Only if you are a Wild fan. Or someone who hates employee empowerment.
Or you think that this loophole shouldn’t exist in a league built around an entry draft. Especially when it (basically) doesn’t exist for anyone but US college players.
Or if you’re a UMass fan.
Detroit? They have opportunity.
If he wants an empty depth chart in the crease, welcome to the Penguins.
Pittsburgh could us a goalie
@Gavin – “…and is could…” (You’re not still laughing at Leafs Nation, too, are you?)
:)
It’s ELC money no matter where he goes. Is he looking for a guaranteed NHL roster spot?
Plenty of good UFA goalies out there, but with the AHL due to go full bore again and Seattle taking up four spots, you’d think that Lindberg could make at least minor league money.
Penguins definitely need some goalie depth. But they will make a big name splash this year with a free agent or trade.
Detroit.
Dumb question here, couldn’t Minnesota trade his rights?
Yes they could. But most teams will probably save their assets and try if he makes it to free agency. Only a 7th rounder and not guaranteed he will sign