If Kent Hughes wants his Montreal Canadiens to become a perennial contender, there are a few key areas the general manager needs to address. At the top of the list is a second-line center, and not far behind is a right-shot defenseman. Unfortunately for Hughes, the organization has just lost another right-shot defenseman.
Gustav Lindstrom wasn’t a Canadiens’ draft pick; he was selected 38th overall at the 2017 NHL draft by the Detroit Red Wings and first joined the Habs before the 2023-24 season. In the second Jeff Petry trade. After just 18 games with the organization, he was claimed by the Anaheim Ducks on waivers.
The defenseman returned to the organization after being released from his professional tryout agreement with the Ducks, signing a one-year, two-way contract. In 42 games with the Laval Rocket this season, he put up 11 points and added another two in 13 playoff games.
The Swedish side Djugarden announced earlier this week that they had signed the blueliner to a 5-year deal. This shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, as he found himself behind players much younger than him, such as David Reinbacher and Logan Mailloux. While no one likes to see assets leave an organization, Lindstrom wasn’t what the Canadiens needed and was unlikely to have a significant impact at the NHL level.
Hughes and Co. are not scrambling to find a replacement right now. Lindstrom might be the first of many veterans who decide to take their game elsewhere this Summer.
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