The Blues have signed Joakim Lindstrom to a one-year, $700,000 contract. Lindstrom spent the last two seasons skating in the Swedish Elite League, but previously spent time with the Colorado Avalanche, Phoenix Coyotes and Columbus Blue Jackets.
No, this isn’t the flashy move fans were hoping for, but it makes a lot of sense and for a lot of reasons. First, Lindstrom has some offensive talent. He notched 54 points in 53 games in Sweden last year and 20 in 21 games before that. Obviously the Swedish Elite League and the NHL aren’t directly comparable, but it appears Lindstrom’s game has grown since he was last in the NHL. His NHL resume has 15 goals and 18 assists in 97 games.
Second, Lindstrom is a depth acquisition. This contract likely means we’ve seen the last of Brenden Morrow who is an unrestricted free agent. Lindstrom bolsters the left side of the size and is likely taking over Morrow’s spot in the lineup. Don’t expect him to be a top-6 guy, but rather a third line player.
Third, Lindstrom is affordable. The Blues could/should/must sign someone to help out offensively in the middle of the ice and it won’t be cheap. Lindstrom’s tiny contract of $700,000 is less than half of Morrow’s old deal ($1.5 million) and it should assist the Blues in affording whichever player(s) they target in free agency.
Finally, Lindstrom is good friends with Alexander Steen, so there’s already some chemistry out there.
All in all, it’s a solid signing – just not a signing to get overly excited about.
Photo via SweHockey
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