When the Blues signed prospect Theo Lindstein back in March, they gained assignment rights on him as a first-round pick, meaning they could have assigned him to their AHL affiliate. However, the blueliner confirmed to Gefle Dagblad’s Daniel Sandstrom that he will remain with SHL Brynas for the 2024-25 season and will not attend training camp with St. Louis next month. Lindstein was the 29th overall pick in 2023 after playing a regular role for them in the SHL. Brynas was relegated to the second-tier Allsvenskan last season where he had 15 points in 49 games plus four more in 13 qualification games to get them back up to the top level. Because Lindstein clearly won’t play in ten or more NHL games this coming season, his contract will slide and still have three years remaining on it heading into 2025-26.
Elsewhere out West:
- In an interview with Cherkas Atlant (video link), Canucks winger Vasily Podkolzin admitted that he was surprised to receive his two-year, $2MM contract extension in mid-April. The 23-year-old spent the bulk of last season in the minors with AHL Abbotsford and wasn’t overly productive when in Vancouver, collecting just two assists in 19 games. That had the 2019 first-round pick expecting to be traded at some point but instead, he’ll get a chance to lock down a full-time roster spot in the fall. Notably, Podkolzin is now waiver-eligible so it seems likely he’ll at least stick at the back of their roster after training camp.
- Speaking with Sport-Express’ Ivan Bohun, Sharks RFA forward Sasha Chmelevski indicated that he still intends to return to the NHL despite signing a three-year extension with Salavat Yulaev in late April. The 25-year-old has 24 career NHL appearances under his belt where he has 10 assists but he elected to return home where he has been quite productive. Last season, Chmelevski picked up 27 goals and 29 assists in 67 games, leading to some speculation that San Jose might be able to trade his rights. Chmelevski thinks a trade could have been an option but clearly, one never materialized. Once this contract ends in 2027, Chmelevski will be 28 and an unrestricted free agent and it appears that will be when he attempts to return to North America.