Montreal Canadiens: Charlie Lindgren as the Backup

Charlie Lindgren is a goalie prospect for the Montreal Canadiens that a lot of people are high on, and his path to full-time NHL play may not be so long.

The Montreal Canadiens are deep in the goalie department. Carey Price is the best goaltender in the world and Al Montoya can still perform well as an NHL backup. Additionally, Michael McNiven was the OHL goaltender of the year last season and looked strong for the Habs during the Rookie Tournament, and Zachary Fucale has had some signs of being something good in the future.

Charlie Lindgren is a special prospect for Montreal. There’s a stigma around drafting goaltenders in that it can go south at any time. Well, that can be said for any NHL prospect, but there’s a weird consistency around goalies. Lindgren just looks like one that can’t fail.

It’s dangerous thinking, but he has exceeded so many expectations and has looked great after leaving St. Cloud State. The Canadiens signed him after he finished his final college season with a .925 Sv% over 40 games, and he hasn’t fallen since.

We know that Montoya is the Habs backup this season. He was a big part of the team’s success last season, especially at the beginning when Price missed games with an illness. The Canadiens signed Montoya to an extension midway through last season, so he’ll be the backup for another two years. However, could it be possible that Lindberg pushes him out of that spot?

Backing Up Price

The rationale behind making Lindgren the Montreal Canadiens’ backup is kind of similar to all the arguments made on why Charles Hudon should make the team this season. He performed very well in the AHL last year going 24-16-8 with a .914 Sv%. He also played well for the Ice Caps in their four playoff games (.922 Sv%).

Lindberg has seen time in the NHL with the Habs. In total, he has played three, all wins with an impressive average Sv% of .943. As it stands, we’ve reserved to having him be the starter for the Laval Rocket. He’s played well enough where it wouldn’t surprise many to see him handling his own in the NHL.

Montoya will be with the organization for another two years. It’s not out of the question to say that Lindgren can’t make the team for the 2018-2019 season. Perhaps Montoya struggles this year. Considering how important points and wins are, Claude Julien could make the call for the young goaltender to play this year.

The sky is the limit with Lindgren. One thing we know for sure is that the goaltending for the Montreal Canadiens now and for the years to come is in good hands.

Next: Habs Guide to Your Fantasy Draft

What do you think Lindberg’s ceiling is? Will he play for the Montreal Canadiens this year? Let us know what you think down below.