Oskar Lindblom, a 23-year-old forward on the Flyers, is expected to miss the remainder of the 2019-20 season after being diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, the team announced Friday afternoon.
Ewing’s sarcoma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in bones or in the soft tissue around the bones.
Below is a statement from Flyers president of hockey operations and general manager Chuck Fletcher:
Philadelphia Flyers forward Oskar Lindblom has been diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma by leading specialists at the University of Pennsylvania. He will undergo further testing and evaluation next week and begin treatment immediately thereafter. He is not expected to return to play for the remainder of the season. The Flyers will do everything possible to support Oskar and assist him in securing the best care available. Out of respect for Oskar and his family, the team will have no further comment at this time and asks that Oskar be afforded a period of privacy so that he may focus his efforts on his treatment and a return to full health.
Lindblom, a native of Sweden, had been one of the Flyers’ top players through 30 games, scoring 11 goals and 18 points.
He was selected by the Flyers in the fifth round of the 2014 draft and has blossomed into a promising player.
Always smiling, positive and humble, Lindblom is beloved by his teammates. His rise from a fifth-round pick to a difference-making player has been a product of hard work.
NHL
After scoring 17 goals last season, sixth most among NHL rookies, Lindblom went back to Gävle, Sweden, to train all summer with his old team Brynäs IF.
"It’s like five minutes from my house," Lindblom said during training camp.
“It was nice to be back home for a bit, just relaxed, had some time with friends and family, so it was great.”
It didn't take long for the Flyers' new coaching staff to fall in love with Lindblom's game as the winger raced out of the chute, scoring in the team's season opener and playing a major role ever since.
“I didn’t know much about Oskar before coming here, but what I’ve found is a real smart, two-way player, hard-working young man," Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault said Oct. 26.
In the summer of 2017, Lindblom talked about his climb within the Flyers' system.
"I just think about it by myself, like fifth-rounder, I just felt like I can play and I can be on this level," Lindblom said.
By the age of 23, he has more than made it on the highest level.
Below is the outpouring of support for Lindblom, via social media:
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