Montreal Canadiens: In Other News… Where are They Now? Free Agency Edition

Charlie Lindgren signs One-Year, Two-Way Deal with St. Louis Blues

Charlie Lindgren hadn’t had the easiest ride with the Canadiens over the past few seasons, a notable change of pace from his previous reputation as an above-average undrafted prospect. Now, Lindgren will look for a fresh start off a one-year deal with the St. Louis Blues. A former two-year starter for St. Cloud State of the NCHC, Lindgren was picked up by Montreal out of free agency to serve as a solid starting option for the St. John’s IceCaps, after what can be best described as a juggling act in net in 2015-16.

While early returns were great, with Lindgren leading the IceCaps to a surprise playoff berth in 2016-17 with a 24-18-1 record, 2.56 GAA and five shutouts, the Minnesota native was just never able to put things together at the NHL level. After going undefeated over one and two game cups of coffee in 2015-16 and 2016-17 respectively, Lindgren was given an increased role in 2017-18 and did his best behind a struggling Canadiens roster, with a 4-8-2 record, 2 SO, and a 3.03 GAA.

Since then, Lindgren had struggled to find playing time in both Laval and Montreal, losing the Rocket starting job to Zach Fucale, Connor Lacouvee, Michael McNiven, and Cayden Primeau at different points. In spite of serving as an emergency backup for Carey Price in 2019-20, Lindgren played just three games in 2020-21 and is hoping for a fresh start in St. Louis. It’s safe to say Lindgren will spend the majority, if not the entirety of 2021-22 in the AHL, but with some lesser goaltending depth with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds, Lindgren could finally reclaim that starting job he struggled to maintain in Montreal.