Oskar Lindblom was once a highly touted prospect. However, his career was somewhat derailed after he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Now he is extending his career by returning to Sweden to sign with an SHL team.
Brynas IF of the Swedish Hockey League made the announcement on X this morning. They are the same club the former 5th round pick played his youth hockey for, eventually working his way up to the SHL team before he came over to North America.
Lindblom was a rising star in the league prior to his stint in the NHL, scoring 47 points in 52 games during the 2016-17 season. He started off well in North America, but unfortunately, his career was forever changed when he was diagnosed with cancer. While the disease seems to have changed his ability to play hockey, he did make a valiant return to the league during the Covid bubble season, making himself an inspiration to many throughout the league.
His tremendous recovery and determination to return to the sport earned him the Bill Masterson trophy for the 2020-21 season, an award given out to the player that most demonstrates perseverance and dedication to the sport.
Lindblom got into just one NHL game this season with the Sharks, spending the rest of the year in the AHL where he put up 16 points in 41 games. Hopefully he will find his scoring touch again after returning to Sweden.
