Vegas Has Seventh rounder Developing Like First Rounder

Seventh round NHL draft picks have roughly a five percent chance of reaching the NHL. But Vegas prospect Carl Lindbom is on course to defy those odds.

After the Golden Knight drafted the Swedish netminder 222th — third pick from the bottom – in the 2021 NHL draft, Lindbom has made a steady climb on the Vegas prospect list. Two seasons ago, he was named Goalie of the Year honors in HockeyAllsvenskan. That’s Sweden second division.

This year, Lindbom enjoyed a strong season for Farjestads BK Karlstad, posting a 17-7-0 record with a .911 save percentage in the Swedish Hockey League.

The Golden Knights signed Lindbom last summer. Whether he stays another season in the SHL or comes to North America to play for Henderson in the AHL, it’s hard not view the 20-year-old as one of the Golden Knights top three prospects.

Swedish National Team coaches seem to also appreciate Lindbom’s potential. They gave him four games with the country’s national team.

He wasn’t picked for the team that is competing for the World Championships.  However, Lindbom made 25 saves to post a shutout in Sweden’s 4-0 exhibition game win against Finland on April 18. Five days later, he stopped 18 of 20 shots in a 3-0 loss to Finland.

Lindbom’s impressive development could be important for a Vegas team that doesn’t have a stable full of premium prospects.

Stocking the Shelves

The price the Golden Knights pay for making the playoffs six of their first seven seasons is a prospect cupboard that isn’t well stocked.

To reach the Stanley Cup Final twice, winning it in 2023, the Golden Knights have been willing to trade prospects and first-round draft picks for help now.

That practice hasn’t been halted. They kept their 2024 first round pick because the draft is in the Vegas Sphere. But they have already dealt their 2025 and 2026 first rounders in the Noah Hanifin and Tomas Hertl deals.

If Lindbom develops into a starter, it strengthens the Golden Knights’ prospect list.