Flyers Oskar Lindblom most notable buyout candidate as first window closes
Anthony Scultore
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Oskar Lindblom was a surprising name on waivers today as he will be bought out. The deadline to buyout a player was 5 PM ET on Monday.
Another buyout window opens but certain criteria must be met in order to utilize it.
First, the window only opens after a team’s last arbitration case or award. Second, the player being bought out must have been on the roster at the end of the last trade deadline. Finally, that player’s contract must have a minimum AAV of $4 million.
Let’s take a look at which players were placed on waivers today for the purpose of a buyout.
Flyers to buyout Oskar Lindblom
The Philadelphia Flyers placed Oskar Lindblom on waivers Tuesday for the purposes of a buyout.
The Flyers are buying out the final season of the Swedish forward’s contract, worth $3 million.
The team also announced a $100,000 donation in Lindblom’s name to a local organization that supports families impacted by cancer.
Lindblom, who turns 26 next month, was diagnosed with the bone cancer Ewing’s sarcoma in December 2019. He completed chemotherapy treatments the following July and returned to the ice in the Stanley Cup playoffs in September 2020.
“This was a very difficult decision to make and one that we spent a lot of time examining,” general manager Chuck Fletcher said in a news release. “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.”
Lindblom tallied 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists) in 79 games last season. In five seasons with the Flyers, he collected 97 points (50 goals, 47 assists) in 263 games.
He won the NHL’s Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy following the 2020-21 season. The award goes to the player who best embodies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to the game of hockey.
Other notable players on waivers today for a buyout
Michael Del Zotto: The Senators defenseman had one year remaining on a deal worth $2.25 million. Del Zotto, 32, recorded 12 points in 26 games last season.
Rudolfs Balcers: The Sharks placed the 25 year-old on waivers after picking up 23 points in 61 games in 2021-22. He had one-year remaining at $1.85 million.
Janne Kuokkanen: The Devils forward had one-year remaining on his deal with an AAV of $1.825 million. Last season, he registered 17 points in 56 games.
-Field Level Media contributed to the Oskar Lindblom portion of this article.
