The Montreal Canadiens have announced that they have signed free agent goalie Charlie Lindgren to a two-year, two-way deal. Lindgren will join the team immediately burning off the first year of the contract. To make room on the roster, the Canadiens have placed Ben Scrivens on waivers.
In his three years at St. Cloud State, Lindgren showed improvement going from a .905 save percentage as a freshman, to .919 as a sophomore and .925 this season. At 6’02” Lindgren has good size in net. He makes the most of his size by coming out of the net to challenge shooters. Good skating and strong legs allow him to retreat when necessary, and to get post-to-post quickly on cross-ice plays. He takes away the bottom of the net effectively with quick pads, and has a good blocker and quick glove on high shots. Like many young goalies he will need to work on rebound control with Habs goalie coach Stephane Waite.
The following is the press release from general manager Marc Bergevin.
Canadiens agree to terms on a two-year contract with free agent Charlie Lindgren
MONTRÉAL – Montreal Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin announced today that the team has agreed to terms on a two-year, two-way contract (2015-16 and 2016-17) with free agent goaltender Charlie Lindgren.
Lindgren, 22, appeared in 40 games with the St. Cloud State Huskies (NCHC) in 2015-16, posting a record of 30 wins, 9 losses and one draw. He led all NCHC goaltenders in wins (30), saves (1,020) and shutouts (5 – tied with two other goaltenders). Lindgren ranked second in the NCHC in minutes played (2,343), third in save percentage (.925) and fourth in goals against average (2.13).“We are very happy to have reached an agreement with Charlie Lindgren. Lindgren was in our mind the best free agent goaltender available coming out of the US college level. He made the decision to join the Canadiens organization and will complete the season with the team. Lindgren is a top goaltender coming out of college, and becomes an excellent prospect for our organization, bringing some depth at this position,” said general manager Marc Bergevin.
Lindgren played in 88 regular season games at St. Cloud State in three complete seasons since making his college debut in 2013-14, posting a 51-29-3 record with eight shutouts. The 6’02’’ and 190 lbs goaltender displayed a 2.21 goals against average and a .921 save percentage.
A native of Lakeville, Minnesota, Lindgren suited up with the Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) in 2011-12 and 2012-13, posting a 44-33-5 record, with two shutouts, a 3.00 goals against average and a .903 save percentage.
Photo Credit: Crédit: Brace Hemmelgarn / St. Cloud State University Athletics
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