Earlier today, it was reported that the Montreal Canadiens would be activating forward Christian Dvorak off of their long-term injured reserve in preparation for tonight’s game against the St.Louis Blues, and they have now made a corresponding roster move to make space. The team announces they have sent defenseman Gustav Lindstrom to their AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket.
Originally, Lindstrom had been emergency recalled to replace David Savard, who was injured in the team’s October 23rd game against the Buffalo Sabres. Since then, he has generally been used as the team’s seventh defenseman, squeaking into two games, averaging just a touch under 12 minutes of ice time per night.
As the main player piece coming back from the trade that sent defenseman Jeff Petry to the Detroit Red Wings back in August, Lindstrom was always going to have a tough time cracking Montreal’s blue line. Although it’s not one of the best defensive cores in the league at this time, the abundance of young talent, as well as a few veterans had Lindstrom on the outside looking in.
Starting the year in Laval, due to the call-up, Lindstrom has only suited up in four games for the Rocket, adding zero points and carrying a -6 rating in that short span. Nevertheless, on a subpar Laval team, Lindstrom should easily fit into the team’s top-four, and attempt to help correct the ugly start to the season.