Was Wayne Simmonds Injury A Blessing In Disguise For The Flyers?

When Wayne Simmonds went down to injury, it sent a chill down the back of Flyers fans. But, to the rescue came a young Swede, who was waiting patiently for his chance. That Swede is Oskar Lindblom.

Lindblom, a former 5th round draft pick of the Flyers back in 2014, has spent the last 3 seasons developing himself in the Swedish Hockey League, SHL for short. However, Lindblom and the Flyers front office, thought this was the year to turn pro and put on the orange and black. But, things didn’t go to plan.

When Lindblom entered training camp, he was seen as a right-away step in guy on the Flyers 3rd line and 2nd power-play unit. However, Lindblom struggled in training camp adapting to the smaller North American rink and was eventually the Flyers last cut out of training camp.

However, that did not stop Lindblom. Lindblom went to the Phantoms, the Flyers AHL affiliate, and has done nothing but impress. In 54 games, Lindblom had 16 goals and 18 assists. Extremely good numbers for a rookie in the AHL. But, because of a log jam on the Flyers roster with forwards, Lindblom could not get a chance with the big club.

Then, it happened. Wayne Simmonds, a Flyer seen as an older more mature Lindblom, got hurt in a fight with New York Rangers defenseman, Anthony DeAngelo. Lindblom was recalled to replace Simmonds in the Flyers lineup.

But, Lindblom didn’t know for how long. Was it going to be 1 game? Was he being showcased for a trade at the deadline? All questions Flyers fans wanted to find answers too.

With the NHL trade deadline fast approaching, GM Ron Hextall had a decision to make. Trade for a proven winger to aide in Simmonds absence or let the rookie have his shot? Hextall chose option #2 and let Lindblom have his shot.

There is good reasoning to that too. Just a few days ago, NBCSports Philadelphia’s, John Boruk, reported that the Flyers had talks with Ottawa for their young scoring winger, Mike Hoffman. According to Boruk, the Flyers were offered Hoffman from the Senators for a 2018 1st round pick & defenseman Travis Sanheim. Hextall balked at the trade idea and was firmly set on letting the rookie, Oskar Lindblom, show his worth in Simmonds absence.

And, oh boy has he.

In his 1st NHL game, Lindblom was paired with Scott Laughton & Michael Raffl. However, that pairing did not last long, as by his 3rd NHL game, Lindblom had taken over in Simmonds spot on the 2nd line alongside fellow rookie Nolan Patrick & Jake Voracek.

Lindblom has yet to record a point in the NHL. But, his contributions away from the play is what is shining. Lindblom has had multiple high quality scoring chances and has set up other Flyers for high quality scoring chances.

However, with Lindblom shining for the Flyers with a roster spot because of the Simmonds injury, what will the Flyers do when Simmonds returns? A question that has to be answered quickly as Wayne Simmonds practiced for the 1st time, since his injury, with the Flyers earlier today.

But, one thing remains to be seen. Will Lindblom stay with the Flyers or go back to the Phantoms? It is an interesting topic to discuss. However, in Simmonds absence, Lindblom has shown to be a great addition to the Flyers lineup in a time of desperate need.

This whole situation shows why injuries aren’t always bad and sometimes a blessing for a young team with prospects waiting to break through the door.

Mandatory Credit : USA Today Images