The forward joined San Jose one day after he was placed on waivers by the Philadelphia Flyers for the purposes of buying out the final season of his contract. The 25-year-old had one season remaining on the three-year, $9 million contract ($3 million average annual value) he signed July 22, 2020. He went unclaimed and became an unrestricted free agent Wednesday.
He had 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists) in 79 games last season.
"You don't want to get bought out from a team when you have one year left," Lindblom said. "But after that, when I started thinking it through, it could probably be a good thing for me to get a new start.
"We had a really good talk with the (Sharks) management, and it just felt good from the start. So, I felt it was] the right way to sign there and I'm really happy to do it and I'm excited to the season started."
***[RELATED: [2022 NHL Free Agent Tracker]*
Lindblom was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, on Dec. 10, 2019. He missed the remainder of the regular season but returned to play two games against the New York Islanders during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
"Oskar is a proven forward who can provide offensive upside in the middle of our lineup," Sharks general manager Mike Grier said. "He has overcome significant obstacles in his young career and his strength and desire to play hockey is immeasurable. We are happy to have him join our organization."
In 2020-21, Lindblom had 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 50 games and was voted winner of the Masterton Trophy as the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
"This was a very difficult decision to make and one that we spent a lot of time examining," Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher said Tuesday. "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."
Philadelphia announced that Flyers Charities will make a $100,000 donation in Lindblom's name to an area organization that supports families impacted by cancer.
Selected by the Flyers in the fifth round (No. 138) of the 2014 NHL Draft, Lindblom has 97 points (50 goals, 47 assists) in 263 regular-season games and no points in six playoff games.
