After a very effective (2.69 GAA, 0.922 SV%), and active (46 games and seven more at the World U18 tournament) season for Tuto in the U20 league, McKeen's ranked Filip Lindberg in the middle of the draft (109th). He is the eighth goalie in our listing and Marco Bombino provides a scouting report below.
A note on the 20-80 scale used below. We look at five attributes (skating, shooting, puck skills, hockey IQ and physicality) for skaters and six for goalies (athleticism/quickness, compete/temperament, vision/play reading, technique/style, rebound control and puck handling). Each individual attribute is graded along the 20-80 scales, which includes half-grades. The idea is that a projection of 50 in a given attribute meant that our observer believed that the player could get to roughly NHL average at that attribute at maturity.
| Filip Lindberg | 2018 NHL Draft Eligible |
|---|---|
| Position: G, Catches L | H/W: 6-0", 180 lbs |
| Stats to date (GP - GAA - SVP) | TUTO Hockey U20, Jr. A SM-liiga (48 - 2.69 - .922) |
Athleticism/Quickness/Speed: His quickness is definitely above-average. Glove hand is extremely quick and he moves really well laterally, as well as post-to-post. He does not need to rely on being athletic a whole lot because his quickness is at such a strong level. Grade: 55
Compete/Temperament: Lindberg looks constantly relaxed and concentrated. His calm demeanor is a big asset. High compete level, rarely gives up on a play. Lindberg performs at his best in big games and has showcased the ability to keep his team in close games. Grade: 60
Vision/Reading Play: He has good vision. He reads shooters really well and demonstrates great patience. He constantly has his eyes on the puck, allowing him to track the puck well through screens. He squares up to the puck carrier on a consistent basis. This aspect of his game projects to above-average at the NHL level as well. Grade: 55
Technique/Style: He's a modern butterfly goalie with a polished technique. He covers both upper and lower corners efficiently in butterfly. He squares up to the puck carrier and generally covers angles really well. 55
Rebound Control: Lindberg is very consistent and effective on low shots, directing pucks out of danger with his pads and stick. However, he does struggle to prevent rebounds on high shots which causes him occasional difficulties. 50
Puck Handling: His quickness helps him greatly outside the crease while stopping pucks on dump-ins. However, he most often makes the simple and effective pass to an open teammate instead of trying to start an offensive transition. Grade: 50
Summary: Filip Lindberg was easily one of the best goalies in the Finnish U20 league last season, if not the best, helping him secure a college commitment to UMass Amherst. He was the number one goalie on a weak TUTO U20 team and appeared in as many as 48 games. He was incredibly consistent and gave his team a chance to win on many nights. Lindberg is an intriguing prospect who makes up for his lack of size with a high-end combination of quickness and vision. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be a very good NCAA goalie at the very least.
Overall Future Projection (OFP): 54.5
