If the Flyers are to make a deep run in the playoffs, they could receive a huge boost to their lineup.
The Flyers have been firing on all cylinders since the return to play has begun. They came in as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. After defeating both the Bruins and Capitals, they have a chance to capture the top seed in the conference.
They will meet with the the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday to determine who takes that top spot. No matter what, the Flyers cannot finish lower than the second seed.
And if they play the same way they have been, there is a chance they could make a deep run in the playoffs. And if that is to happen, there is a big boost that could come into the lineup. If the team makes it to September, there is a chance Oskar Lindblom could enter the lineup.
It is a big if, but he is making his way to Toronto to join the team. A lot of things would have to go right for him to be able to play. But even being able to travel as much as he has means he is on the right track. He will have to quarantine for about four days and receive four consecutive negative tests before he can join the team on the ice.
The Flyers will give him as much time as he needs to get acclimated both on and off the ice. Lindblom has been back in Sweden working out and staying ready in case his time comes. He has been training with his former SHL team in the meantime.
Träffade @oskarlindblom i går. Nu laddar han för comeback med #flyers https://t.co/mNT4v3GIe6 pic.twitter.com/jiHU46qyvQ
— Daniel Sandström (@SasseSandstrom) August 4, 2020
Alain Vigneault has always spoke candidly when it comes to Lindblom. He is well aware of the impact it would have on the team to get him back. As is everyone else. A huge run could give them even more motivation to win it all.
"“I was told come training camp he’d be able to play in September, so I guess we’ve got to get to September.”"
Lindblom was tied for the team lead in goals (11) before his diagnosis hit in December. In a contract year, the young forward was in the midst of a breakout campaign. The Flyers ended up rewarding him with a three-year extension during the pause. They clearly have a belief that he isn’t done playing just yet.
Lindblom is just as eager to get back on the ice with his Flyers teammates. He has been able to before, but only briefly. If he is able to come back and play, that would make the Flyers even more dangerous than they already are.