Carl Lindbom Boosting Confidence in the Vegas Golden Knights Organization

Discover Carl Lindbom’s inspiring journey from Swedish hockey leagues to becoming a key prospect for the Vegas Golden Knights. Learn how his confidence, adaptability, and stellar performances continue to make an impact.

Sometimes, all it takes is one chance to change the course of a career. For Vegas Golden Knights goalie prospect Carl Lindbom, that chance came when he was selected in the seventh round, 222nd overall, in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.

After being drafted, Lindbom went to Sweden, playing in the country’s second-tier league, HockeyAllsvenskan, with Djurgårdens IF. In his rookie season, he stood out in a big way, appearing in 36 games and posting a 25-11-0 record with seven shutouts, a 1.86 goals-against average (GAA), and a .930 save percentage. His incredible performance earned him both Goalie of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors. That same year, Lindbom represented Sweden at the 2023 IIHF U20 World Junior Championship, where he was the team’s go-to goalie. His tournament stats included two shutouts, the most of any goalie at the event, and a 4-3-0 record.

In the summer of 2023, Lindbom’s NHL dream started taking shape when he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Golden Knights. After signing, he returned to Sweden to play in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) with Färjestad BK to further hone his skills. Over 26 games, Lindbom recorded a solid 17-7-0 record, a 2.12 GAA, and a .911 save percentage. He even managed to score a rare goalie goal by shooting the puck into an empty net. He credited his time in Sweden with helping him improve his hockey IQ, speed, and strength.

“[The shutouts] were a lot of fun. The Calgary game was tough. I faced a lot of shots. I thought the team played great and to get out with a shutout [in Calgary] was really fun, Sometimes it just clicks. I feel like I can keep my calm up there, breathing, and seeing the puck well.” : Lindbom said, about his first AHL shutout.

A save by Carl Lindbom down one end, and a goal from Matyas Sapovaliv down the other. @HSKnights | #HSKvsSJ pic.twitter.com/8XbiFsTc7Z
— American Hockey League (@TheAHL) February 2, 2025

The 2024-25 season marked Lindbom’s first full-time move to North America, where he joined the Henderson Silver Knights in the AHL. Despite a few challenges for the team, Lindbom has shown promise, posting a 7-9-1 record, a 2.82 GAA, and a .915 save percentage. He’s also delivered standout performances with shutouts against strong teams like the Calgary Wranglers and Ontario Reign.

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Lindbom’s growth hasn’t gone unnoticed. He’s had the chance to learn from Golden Knights goaltending coach Sean Burke at development camps and Silver Knights goaltending coach Fred Brathwaite throughout the season. Brathwaite sees steady progress in Lindbom, noting his growing confidence and readiness to take the next step. Lindbom has also benefited from working alongside fellow goalie Akira Schmid, learning on and off the ice. Swedish teammate Robert Häg has also been a mentor, helping Lindbom adjust to life in North America.

The transition hasn’t been without its challenges. The smaller ice surface in North America means faster gameplay compared to Sweden, where rinks are larger and the pace slower. However, Lindbom has embraced the challenge, adapting his game to thrive in a faster, more demanding environment.

Henderson Silver Knights GM Tim Speltz is impressed not just by Lindbom’s saves but by his ability to read plays and make smart decisions in the crease, which positively impacts the entire team. This composure isn’t new to Golden Knights management. Back when Lindbom was still in Sweden, scouts like Mike Rosati and Wil Nichol noticed his calm and confident demeanor, qualities that have continued to set him apart.

Growing up, Lindbom admired Swedish goaltending legend Henrik Lundqvist. Today, he models his game after Nashville Predators goalie Juuse Saros, continuously studying other players to improve his craft.

As the Silver Knights head into their all-star break, Lindbom is excited to watch his home country, Sweden, compete in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament. He hopes to one day inspire young goalies the way his idols inspired him. For now, he’s focused on becoming the best version of himself and taking one step closer to achieving his NHL dreams.

Carl Lindbom

NHL

Vegas Golden Knights

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

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