Oskar Lindblom will be staying in Philadelphia for the foreseeable future after the Flyers announced his new contract extension.
It is clear that the Flyers see Oskar Lindblom as a part of their future. And despite his unfortunate diagnosis in December, they are not worried one bit. The team announced on Wednesday afternoon that he has been signed to a three-year extension. The contract will kick in next season.
"“I am very excited to be a part of the Flyers for the next three seasons. The support that the organization, the fans, and the entire NHL has given me has been quite overwhelming. I can’t wait to get back skating with the boys and being the professional hockey player I know I can be. I want to thank the Flyers for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to the day I’m back and contributing to the team’s success.”"
Lindblom was in the midst of a breakout season as he was tied for the team in with 11 goals. He also had 18 points in 30 games played. He was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma in December, cutting his season short. But the team rallied around him and he recently completed his last set of treatments in July.
He was officially deemed to be without evidence of cancer at the time of his completion. While he is not completely out of the woods just yet, he has gotten over one of the biggest hurdles since his diagnosis.
Lindblom was recently named a finalist for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. It is given to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. And he has been that and more for the Flyers this season. And there is a hope that the team will be able to bring him to Toronto with them for the playoffs.
Having his presence there could be a huge boost for the team, even if he ends up not taking to the ice at all. It was evident how much he brought to the team during the various times he visited during his treatment. His jersey was hung up in his stall during every game the Flyers played this season.
Throughout his young Flyers career, Lindblom has 30 goals and 57 points in three seasons with the team. He has a bright future ahead of him and that will be in Philadelphia.