Esa Lindell
Image: Jokerit

Esa Lindell

Hometown:

Helsinki Finland

Team:

Dallas Stars

Currently Playing In:

Europe

Birthday:

1994-05-23
Position:

D
Eligible for draft:

2012
Shoots:

Left
Drafted:

2012
Height:

6-2
Acquired:

3rd round (74th overall), 2012
Weight:

190 lbs.
Prospect Talent Score
6.5

About Prospect Talent Score and Probability of Success»

Probability of Success
  • D

History

2009-10: Lindell appeared in three games for Jokerit's U18 team and was the leading scorer among defensemen for Jokerit's U16 squad. In three U18 games he had 1 assist with 2 penalty minutes. Jokerit U16 finished third in the regular season and in 26 games Lindell scored 9 goals with 12 assists and had 16 penalty minutes. In 13 games in the U16 playoffs he had 1 goal with 2 assists and 8 penalty minutes as Jokeritn advanced to the finals against HIFK.

2010-11: Lindell was impressive in three playoff games for Jokerit's U20 team after missing much of the season. He scored 1 goal with 1 assist and was plus-three with 2 penalty minutes in the U20 playoffs. He skated in 18 games for Jokerit's U18 team (including four playoff games) and had 5 goals with 8 assists and had 14 penalty minutes.

2011-12: Lindell made his pro hockey debut, skating in two games with Kiekko-Vantaa in Mestis (Finnish second league), and was the leading scorer for Jokerit's U20 regular season champions. He represented Finland at the 2012 U18 World Junior Championship. Lindell was plus-one, averaging 18 minutes of ice time, in his two-game stint with Kiekko-Vantaa. In 48 games for Jokerit's U20 team he scored 21 goals with 30 assists and was plus-24 with 16 penalty minutes. He scored 2 goals with 5 assists and was plus-one, averaging over 25 minutes of ice time per game, in 11 playoff games. Jokerit lost to Helsinki rival HIFK in the finals. Lindell had 6 assists and was plus-4 with 2 penalty minutes for fourth-place Finland at the U18 WJC. He was invited to the NHL Draft Combine and ranked 12th amongst European skaters in Central Scouting's final rankings prior to the 2012 NHL Draft.

 

Talent Analysis

Big Finnish defenseman that likes to join the rush.  Has an offensive-minded style that needs to be roped-in and refined still.  Doesn’t engage too much physically despite his size.  He’s still a little wobbly on his skates as he grows into his size, he’s not particularly agile.  He jumps into the play well and makes a decent read offensively.  Seems to rather lackadaisical in his own end and makes questionable decisions at times.  He’s a major project that needs to arrange his tools in a yet-to-be-found toolbox.

 

Future

Will remain in the Jokerit (SM-Liiga A) organization.

 

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