Michael Lindqvist on unconditional waivers
And then there were two guys with alarmingly similar surnames
Bob McKenzie is reporting that the New York Rangers have placed Swedish forward Michael Lindqvist on unconditional waivers, which likely means that his contract is being terminated.
Michael Lindqvist (NYR) and Dennis Everberg (WPG) on unconditional waivers, presumably for purpose of mutually-agreed termination of contract.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) November 13, 2018
The Rangers signed Lindqvist, 24, as a free agent on May 2, 2018. This was his first professional season in North America. In 16 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack Lindqvist scored three goals and picked up four assists — two of which were primary. Per Jeff Craig’s AHL Tracker, he had the most success playing with Lias Andersson and Cole Schneider.
Lias Andersson has his third goal and seventh point through seven games (including tonight's). Great effort by Michael Lindqvist to force the turnover. David Quinn will love seeing the aggressive OZ forecheck here from both forwards and Hajek. pic.twitter.com/Mpld5HHRMD
— Adam Herman (@AdamZHerman) October 19, 2018
Lindqvist’s contract was a one-year, $925,000 deal that reportedly had a European Assignment Clause. He would have been an RFA at the contract’s conclusion. It’s also worth noting that the Rangers don’t have a great deal of organizational depth when it comes to wingers who can shoot the puck. So, it is a little perplexing for the Rangers have agreed to terminate his contract.
Lindqvist had a European Assignment Clause in his contract which means he could have returned to Sweden without terminating his contract. This likely means he's going to the #KHL now? Otherwise I don't see why he would terminate it. #NYR https://t.co/WWDdP6rcZp
— Jokke Nevalainen (@JokkeNevalainen) November 13, 2018
For the moment, there’s no other scuttlebutt regarding Lindqvist’s future. There is the possibility that he will sign in the KHL or return to the SHL, but there’s clearly something going on behind the scenes here. Before signing with the Rangers Lindqvist was playing hockey in the SHL with Färjestad BK, where he scored 20 goals in 33 games last season.
