Looking Into The Future

Oscar Lindberg. Photo: Fredrik Sundvall, Pic-Agency

Oscar Lindberg, C, 6’0″, 190 pounds

Date of birth: October 29, 1991

Previous team: Skellefteå AIK of Elitserien Swedish Elite League (SEL)

Draft: 57th Overall, 2010 by the Phoenix Coyotes. 

Oscar Lindberg showed he was ready to make the trip across seas to North America by having a breakout year in the Elitserien, Swedish Elite League(SEL) by having a total of 17 goals and 25 helpers in 55 games. He played for the Skellefteå J20 for two years, which is the highest level of junior hockey over in Sweden. He then played for Skellefteå AIK in the SEL. He was awarded the Stefan Liv Memorial Trophy in the 2012-2013 season for the Most Valuable Player in the SEL playoffs, and well deserved with a four goal and eight assist campaign in 13 games in rout to winning a championship. The kid knows how to win, but he has fell short a couple times by going to three straight championship games and only coming out with one  championship. Still, a pretty impressive résumé to say the least. He has a 2011 World Junior Championship invite under his belt, but Team Sweden fell short and came in 4th in 2011. He had two goals and two assists in six games during that tournament. Two years later he redeemed himself with a gold medal in the 2013 World Championship. Add his multiple face-off percentage awards and his ability to play defense and you have yourself a pretty good player all-around. Oh, and did I mention his 2014 Olympic invite? It’s all adding up in the end.

Lindberg describes himself as a two-way, hard working center. He isn’t lying. He has great vision with a good shot, though not a pure goal scorer. His passing ability and stick handling skills are good as well. He has the ability to take on shootouts if needed so. The big thing about Lindberg is is all-around game in all areas of the ice. He is great in the face-off department and is also a great back-checker and plays defense exceptionally well. For a guy of his size, he gets involved with the hitting and likes to bring energy to the table. Although he has a max of second line potential, you can peg him on the third or fourth line on this New York Rangers team. He is the type of player you want in your bottom six come playoff time, especially with his face-off abilities (That had to be said twice, it’s that good)

Quotes:

“He is a more, well-rounded player. He works well in the whole area from deep in his own end to deep in the offensive zone” – Anders Hedberg, Rangers’ Head Professional Scout-Europe.

“A very smart two-way center. Takes care of his defensive responsibilities, but also contributes offensively with good speed, technical skills and playmaking ability. Not an overly physical player, but gets involved. Pretty good shot, but not a natural scorer. A team player who is good at face-offs.” – Elite Hockey Prospects