On March 30th, the Montreal Canadiens announced the signing of NCAA goaltender Charlie Lindgren, following the Ben Scrivens waiver placement. Lindgren and the Canadiens agreed to a two-year, two-way contract worth of $1.850M.
The 22-year old, Lakeville, Minnesota native, Charlie Lindgren was passed over in three consecutive drafts from 2011-2014. After finishing his season in the NCAA with the St. Cloud State Huskies, Lindgren told the media he was ready to sign with an NHL franchise. He mentioned that there was "10 to 15 teams" interested in him but that it "quickly got whittled down to three of them", evidently, one of them being the Montreal Canadiens.
Lindgren put of astonishing numbers this season, setting a school record of 30 wins along with a 2.13 GAA and .925% in 40 games for St. Cloud State. The 6'2, 190 pound Lindgren was the Huskies number one goaltender for the past two seasons and was on the roster for three NCAA Frozen Four tournaments. Lindgren and the Huskies were eliminated in the regional semifinals of this year's tournament falling 5-4 in overtime barn burner to the Ferris State Bulldogs. on March 26th.
In 88 career college games played for St. Cloud State, Charlie went 51-29-3 with a 2.21 GAA and a .921 SV%. He was also recently named NCHC goaltender of the year and was named to the NHCH All-rookie team.
After hearing the news on Lindgren's new contract agreement, Bob Motzko, his coach for the past three years at St. Cloud State was heartbroken that he couldn't coach him for a fourth time. Motzko met with Sean Campbell and Chris Nilan on TSN 690 and only had great things to say about Lindgren, following the Habs latest signing. He mentioned that "[Lindgren] has been an outstanding players for us and backbone of our team". Motzko also added that "he thinks the kid has a great shot one day to do something special". As much as the Huskies are heartbroken to see him leave they are extremely happy for him and his future in the NHL.
Lindgren got his dream realized when he earned his first start between the pipes in the NHL against the Carolina Hurricanes on April 7th. Although he let the puck by him on the first shot, Lindgren redeemed himself by stopping the following 25 of 26 shots, earning him and the Canadiens a 4-2 victory.
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| #35 Charlie Lindgren playing for the St. Cloud State Huskies. (http://www.scsuhuskies.com/) |
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