One of the most inspirational stories in Philadelphia Flyers history has reached its final chapter.
On Tuesday, the team announced its intention to buy out the final year of Oskar Lindblom’s contract. Lindblom, who survived a battle with Ewing’s sarcoma (a rare form of bone cancer) during the 2019-20 season, had $3 million left on his contract.
He becomes an unrestricted free agent and the signing period for NHL free agents opens Wednesday at noon ET.
“This was a very difficult decision to make and one that we spent a lot of time examining,” said general manager Chuck Fletcher. “No one can question the desire, will and strength to overcome all that Oskar has been through off the ice in order to return to the game he loves. Further, Oskar’s commitment to his teammates and impact in our room has been immeasurable. He is truly an inspiration to us all and he will always remain a special part of the Philadelphia Flyers family. We wish him all the best as he continues his NHL career.”
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The Flyers can use the money saved toward signing a player off the free agent list beginning on Wednesday.
In recognition of Lindblom’s inspiration to the City of Philadelphia and the team, the Flyers announced that Flyers Charities will make a donation of $100,000 in his name to a local organization that supports families impacted by cancer.
Lindblom departs the team after spending parts of five seasons with the Flyers and eight seasons as a member of the organization. He was selected in the fifth round (138th overall) by the Flyers in the 2014 NHL draft that was held in Philadelphia.
The native of Sweden posted 12 goals and 26 points in 79 regular season games during the 2021-22 season. His best season as a Flyer came during the 2018-19 campaign when he recorded 17 goals and 33 points in 81 games.
In 2019-20, Lindblom was on pace to set new career highs after he recorded 11 goals and 18 points in 30 games before being diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma in December 2019. Later that season when the NHL returned from the pause for the Stanley Cup playoffs in the “bubble” format, Lindblom made his return to the ice for Games 6 and 7 of the conference semifinals against the New York Islanders.
Lindblom was twice named the Flyers nominee by the Philadelphia chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, which is presented annually to the player who best embodies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication.
He was named a finalist by the NHL for the award for 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons and won after the 2020-21 season. He became the fourth Flyer to receive the award in franchise history, joining Ian Laperriere (2011), Bob Clarke (1972) and Tim Kerr (1989).
In total, Lindbl recorded 50 goals and 47 assists for 90 points in 263 career regular season games with the Flyers.
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Flyers buy out contract of cancer survivor Oskar Lindblom
