Sharks Buyout Candidates: Oskar Lindblom

The San Jose Sharks might want to look into freeing up a roster spot with a possible buyout.

Oskar Lindblom's story of overcoming cancer is memorable, but at the end of the day, the NHL is a business.

The San Jose Sharks are rebuilding, and when they signed Lindblom, they expected him to be a contributing player. That was not the case this season, as Lindblom had 15 points in 73 games. 

The 26-year-old forward was not expected to be a high offensive producer but has shown a potential to be a consistent contributor. In his second season in the NHL, 2018-19, Lindblom had 33 points in 81 games. 

Since that season, Lindblom has not scored more than 26 points. 

The San Jose Sharks signed the Swedish forward to a two-year deal with a cap hit of $2,500,00 AAV during the 2022 offseason.

A buyout of Lindblom may seem unnecessary, but given where he fell in the lineup at the end of last season, it might not be the worst idea.

According to CapFriendly, if San Jose were to buy out his contract, the team would have a cap hit under a million dollars for just two seasons.

"An Oskar Lindblom buyout spans two years, has a cost of $1,666,667, and savings of $833,333. Lindblom is 26 years of age at the time of the buyout; therefore, the buyout ratio is 2/3. With $2,500,000 in salary remaining, the cost is $1,666,667, and the savings are $833,333," CapFriendly said.

So a cap hit of $833,333 for two seasons gives the Sharks some flexibility without limiting them to a large amount of a dead cap hit.

Lindblom is a nice piece, but a young player could be better utilized in his place, given Team Teal's situation. For example, players like Brandon Coe, Tristen Robins, Thomas Bordeleau, Daniil Gushcin, and Ozzy Wiesblatt could be used in the forward core instead of Lindblom.

Luke Kunin is expected back in the lineup as well. Top prospects like William Eklund and Filip Bystedt will also need places in the lineup.

If the San Jose Sharks want to continue to build their team back up, opening up a roster spot to a younger forward could be the way to go. Unfortunately for Lindblom, his performance last season could make him the most likely buyout candidate for GM Mike Grier.

It wouldn't surprise me if he is bought out, but it also wouldn't surprise me if he starts the season on the fourth line. Lindblom isn't a bad piece; he just isn't providing much value on the ice for the team.