Chris Lindberg

Lore & Background

Lindberg began his junior hockey career with the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. He initially gave an oral commitment to the University of Alaska Anchorage but instead signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, where he played two seasons. He left college early to sign with the Hartford Whalers in June 1989, but spent most of his time with Hartford's minor league affiliates and the Canadian national team before signing with the Calgary Flames in April 1991.

Lindberg made his NHL debut for the Flames on February 27, 1992, and recorded his first NHL goal on March 19 against the San Jose Sharks. He was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the 1992 NHL expansion draft but was traded back to the Flames five days later for Mark Osiecki. After the 1992–93 season, Lindberg signed with the Quebec Nordiques, where he played 37 games before being assigned to their AHL affiliate. He later played in Germany for Krefelder EV 1981 (later Krefeld Pinguine), leading the DEL in goal scoring in 1996–97, and also had stints in Switzerland and the IHL.

Reader's Guide

Chris Lindberg's career is marked by his Olympic silver medal and his journey through multiple NHL teams and leagues. Though he played only 116 NHL games, his path included being claimed in an expansion draft and immediately traded back, reflecting the transactional nature of the league. His time with the Flames included a playoff appearance in 1993, where he earned his first playoff point. After leaving the NHL, Lindberg found success in Germany, leading the DEL in goals in 1996–97 and being selected for the DEL all-star team. His later career involved brief moves between North America and Europe, including a suspension in Germany and an unauthorized departure from an IHL team to play in Switzerland. Lindberg's career illustrates the mobility of players between NHL, minor leagues, and European circuits in the 1990s.

Did You Know?

• Lindberg won a silver medal with the Canadian 1992 Winter Olympics ice hockey team.
• Lindberg led the Deutsche Eishockey Liga in goal scoring during the 1996–97 season with 37 goals.
• He was suspended eight games by the DEL for a slashing infraction in the 1997–98 season.