Gustav Lindstrom placed on waivers January 9, 2024

Gustav Lindstrom placed on waivers January 9, 2024

Written by Fred Arshoff

Edited by Judy Pitcher

First of all I’d like to thank my editor Judy Pitcher for her outstanding work editing my articles. A tip of my hat to you, Judy. I’d also like to thank Martine McGuire very much for informing me of this roster move so quickly. A huge thank you, Martine, no one has better help when it comes to finding out what’s happening faster than you.

At first I was a bit shocked by this waiver move by Kent Hughes. However, the HABS still have Johnathan Kovacevic as the 7th defenseman, if a defenseman is ill or gets injured in the morning skate. The HABS also announced that Raphael Harvey-Pinard is on schedule to return to play and has been practicing with the team. This makes freeing up a roster spot necessary.

Due to still carrying three goalies on the roster, the HABS don’t have the luxury of having three extra position players. There is talk that Kent Hughes is actively trying to make a trade a goalie and I believe he has a return he wants, which if he doesn’t get it, the goalie won’t be traded. I’m sure when Kent Hughes signed Lindstrom, it was for insurance purposes only, incase of injury, not wanting to have to call-up one of our young developing defensemen. The call-up of Jayden Stuble changed all that, as his play has caused changes to have to be made. This has had a ripple effect causing players to be either sent to Laval or be a healthy scratch, all of whom have more professional hockey experience than he has.

If a team claims Lindstrom off waivers, he must remain on their NHL roster, no team can claim him for their AHL affiliate. If Lindstrom is claimed he will have to join his new NHL club where they are currently playing or where they tell him to join them. If Lindstrom is not claimed, I’m sure he will fly back to Montreal with the HABS after their game against the Flyers and head to Laval.

In closing, I’d like to wish Gustav Lindstrom the very best of luck in his hockey career and all he did when he was called up to the HABS, never complaining when he was made a healthy scratch.

UPDATE

Since this article was written, Gustav Lindstrom has been claimed off waivers by the Anaheim Ducks. We wish him good luck with his new team. The silver lining being that this opens up contract space should the HABS wish to add a player at the Trade Deadline.