Zeb Lindgren (D, L, 6’1″, 195, Skelleftea AIK J20, 04/14/2007)
Zeb Lindgren is a defensively reliable, left-shot defenseman with pro size, strong hockey sense, and above-average skating ability. He’s a stabilizer on the backend, excelling through stick detail, body positioning, and quick decision-making. While his offensive ceiling appears limited, Lindgren’s ability to defend in space, absorb minutes, and compete in physical situations gives him legitimate NHL projectability as a shutdown, middle-pairing defender. He has been a key figure for Skelleftea’s J20 squad, logging regular special teams time and showing consistency against top junior competition in Sweden.
Why Zeb Lindgren Should Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Defensive Awareness and Positioning
Lindgren is one of the most positionally sound defenders in the J20 Nationell. He averages 1.35 blocked shots/game, 0.86 loose puck recoveries after shots, and consistently limits second-chance opportunities. His reads in the defensive zone are clean, and he defends with detail and discipline. His 5.2 takeaways/game are a testament to his active stick and ability to anticipate play before it develops.
2) Physicality on Olympic Ice
Despite playing on a larger Olympic surface, Lindgren averages 0.94 hits/game — a notable rate — and wins 56% of puck battles. That’s an elite number in Swedish junior hockey, showing his ability to pressure opponents without losing control or discipline. He plays hard and wins space efficiently using his frame and leverage.
3) Transition Efficiency
While not a dynamic puck carrier, Lindgren moves the puck cleanly out of his own zone. His 89% pass completion rate and 0.35 pre-shot passes/game reflect high-end vision and composure. He consistently makes clean first passes and rarely overhandles the puck under pressure. He’s a low-maintenance puck-mover who supports transition play without trying to do too much.
4) Mature Defensive Profile with Pro Traits
Lindgren already plays a pro-style game: stay within structure, take away space, use angles, keep gaps tight, win battles, and make safe, strong plays on exits. He logged 1:45 SH TOI per game, 1:37 PP TOI, and averaged 18:10 overall — showing trust from his coaching staff and a willingness to take on responsibility. He’s rarely flashy, but highly dependable.
Why Zeb Lindgren Should Not Be an NHL Draft Pick
1) Limited Offensive Ceiling
Lindgren contributes just 2.8 shot attempts/game, 1.51 shots on goal, and 0.46 Grade A chances/game, despite playing some power play minutes. His shot totals and 0.35 pre-shot passes/game indicate he’s not a creator. While his 24% conversion on Grade A chances is elite for a defenseman, it comes from a very low volume. He lacks deception, must improve lateral agility at the blue line, and plays a basic instinctive offensive game.
2) Not a Dynamic Skater or Puck Carrier
Lindgren is a fluid north-south skater, but doesn’t yet have the lateral footwork or edge control to manipulate forecheckers or beat pressure with his feet. He defaults to passing or rim plays rather than exploiting lanes off the rush or jumping into the play. While his puck carrying is efficient, it lacks the pace or urgency to drive transition against top-end opponents.
3) Ceiling as a Role Player
At this stage, Lindgren projects more as a system-reliant defender than a high-ceiling asset. He does everything well defensively, but his potential as an NHL contributor hinges on him maintaining strong detail and physical play against faster and more skilled competition. He may not carry value on a power play, and his even-strength offense could limit upward mobility in a depth chart.
Projection and Outlook
Player Projection: Middle-pair NHL shutdown defenseman with PK usage
Development Path: North American Junior hockey (CHL or USHL) for two years and the AHL
Development Focus Areas
Add quickness in first few steps, improve agility through hips
Increase blue line deception and puck-handling comfort
Build strength to raise battle success and push back against pro-sized forwards
Continue developing D-to-D and wall exits under pressure
Draft Recommendation: Early 4th Round
Lindgren is a well-coached, defensively responsible left-shot D who projects as a safe depth option at the NHL level. He’s got a pro frame, plays physical, and consistently supports his team in all three zones. While at this point his offensive upside is limited, his maturity, defensive intelligence, and projectable habits make him a sound target in the mid-round range.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images