While many St. Louis Blues fans want to forget the 2025-26 season, Theo Lindstein will remember it for the rest of his life. March 10th, 2026, was the day that Lindstein made his NHL debut with the Blues against the Islanders. It did not take long for him to make an impact as he notched his first point in the second period with a secondary assist on Jimmy Snuggerud's goal. Over the 17 games he played this season, he racked up two goals and two assists for four points.
Now the Blues never expected Lindstein to go on a tear this season. It was about him getting a taste of what NHL action is like. To see what the pro game is like and have an understanding of what it takes to make it at the next level. The hope is that this brief time in the NHL will show Lindstein what he has to work on during the offseason, and he can come into training camp ready to fight for a roster spot. But what role could Lindstein have on the 2026-27 Blues?
What's next for Theo Lindstein?
The 2025-26 season was not just the one in which Lindstein made the NHL, but also his first year playing North American hockey. For the past four seasons, he has been in Sweden, playing for Byrans IF. In 137 games, he registered nine goals and 18 assists for 27 points. When Lindstein made the jump to North American hockey, he did not miss a beat. He played 59 games for the Springfield Thunderbirds of the AHL, tallying six goals and eight assists for 14 points.
It's clear that Lindstein had no problems adjusting to the speed and physicality of the North American game. He earned points at a higher rate than in Sweden. This is a very positive sign for his development. While Lindstein has always been seen as a two-way defenseman, he was always a defensive-first player. So the fact that his offense got better in a more physical style of hockey, while continuing to play strong defense, shows he can be an effective NHL defenseman.
Although there was a lot to like from Lindstein's first North American season, he is not a lock to make the opening night roster. Barring any trades, the Blues have six defenseman locked up for next season. Three of which have some sort of no movement clause. This makes it very unlikely that a roster spot will open up for Lindstein. He will likely be sent to Springfield and will be the first defenseman called up when needed.
The only way he can make the opening night roster is if he dominates in both training camp and the preseason. If he shows his level of play is too good to send down to the AHL, he could force the Blues to make a move in order to make space for him. He would be on the bottom pairing, alongside either Tyler Tucker or Logan Mallioux. He could also find some time on the Blues' special teams, as both his skill sets make him perfect for the second unit of both groups.
There was a lot to like from Theo Lindstein this past season, but it does not guarantee him a spot on the 2026-27 Blues. He needs to focus this offseason on getting better and making it impossible for the team not to notice him.
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