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.
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:
Together we are #OskarStrong. 💜 pic.twitter.com/HX1fVrjqts
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) December 13, 2019
Giroux on seeing Lindblom’s stall setup in the dressing room before tonight’s game.
— Taryn Hatcher (@TarynNBCS) December 14, 2019
“It’s tough not to get emotional. But it’s good for everybody, to see his jersey in there.”
JVR also reiterated, it’s important Oskar know he’s still a big part of this team.
“We love @oskarlindblom. He’s a strong kid and we have his back...Right now we just want to win hockey games for Oskar. We know he would like that...It puts things in perspective.” @28CGiroux on supporting #OskarStrong. pic.twitter.com/BpWFNTOdHr
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) December 14, 2019
Coots on @oskarlindblom’s dressed locker stall on game day: “He’s still with us. He’s part of our team. He’s in our minds and we’re thinking about him.” #OskarStrong pic.twitter.com/RAzM01NnlH
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) December 14, 2019
We’re with you, @oskarlindblom. ❤️
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) December 13, 2019
Please send prayers to @oskarlindblom. As promising a player as he is, he’s even a nicer person. Always approachable and polite. He deserves all the support we can give him.
— Jim Jackson (@JimJPhilly) December 13, 2019
Thoughts and prayers for you brother. One of the happiest most positive people I’ve met. I know you’re gonna fight and overcome this, stay strong @oskarlindblom You got this. https://t.co/UiGVKhJYnf
— Carsen Twarynski (@CTwarynski) December 14, 2019
#OskarStrong 💜 pic.twitter.com/r9CARbwX1u
— Gritty (@GrittyNHL) December 13, 2019
All the best @oskarlindblom praying for a speedy recovery!! #hockeyfightscancer
— Matt Strome (@Mstrome16) December 13, 2019
Can’t say enough about what a quality person @oskarlindblom is.
— Taryn Hatcher (@TarynNBCS) December 13, 2019
He deserves all our thoughts, all our prayers.
If you have the means, consider supporting those battling this disease in Oskar’s name:https://t.co/8AWZbHMuFkhttps://t.co/HV0t07nmIzhttps://t.co/qrwslaLInY
Sending our best 🧡
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) December 13, 2019
Wishing @oskarlindblom the absolute best and a speedy recovery back to good health. https://t.co/QYyDyB7Myg
— Evander Kane (@evanderkane_9) December 14, 2019
You’re in our hearts and thoughts, @oskarlindblom. Standing by you through the fight. https://t.co/LlgOiXdY8C
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) December 13, 2019
You've got this, @oskarlindblom. 💪
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) December 13, 2019
https://twitter.com/DerekSettlemyre/status/1205635815646347265?s=20On behalf of all the players, coaches and staff of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, we are wishing all the best for @oskarlindblom.
— LehighValleyPhantoms (@LVPhantoms) December 13, 2019
We’re fighting with you, Oskar!
Cancer sucks.
— PhilaUnion (@PhilaUnion) December 13, 2019
We, along with the rest of #Philly, are fighting with @oskarlindblom & the @NHLFlyers 🧡 https://t.co/UXfQSNH62e
Less than a month ago the Flyers were hosting Zach at Hockey Fights Cancer night. Oskar Lindblom was nothing less than supportive, welcoming, and a warm personality.
— Sam Steward (@SlapshotsWSam) December 14, 2019
Truly heartbreaking - we are behind you Oskar, as is the entire city of Philadelphia. #MoreThanAGame pic.twitter.com/FlKLv0IvKS
The VGK fam is sending positive thoughts your way 💜 #HockeyFightsCancer
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) December 13, 2019
The hockey world is with you @oskarlindblom.#HockeyFightsCancer https://t.co/o3BQeNoTz5
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) December 13, 2019
Sending lots of love and support to @oskarlindblom and his family. We’re all behind you brother! #oskarstrong
— Max Domi (@max_domi) December 14, 2019
Please join me in sending @oskarlindblom some love and healing energy as he takes on this unfortunate battle. 🙏🏻 we are with you brother! pic.twitter.com/toOt4G8bFj
— RILEY COTE • #coteculture (@rileecoyote) December 14, 2019
2 years ago at the Phantoms Holiday Party, Oskar Lindblom played Bubble Hockey with my daughter, Aurora, who was 4 at the time. He was very nice to her while she tried to turn the knobs to hit the little puck. I don't think he initially knew that she was my kid. Really good guy.
— Bob Rotruck (@BobRotruck) December 13, 2019
We're fighting for you too, Oskar. 💜
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) December 14, 2019
All the best to @oskarlindblom we are all wishing you the best!
— Tony DeAngelo (@TonyDee07) December 13, 2019
Awful news about @oskarlindblom. Some things are way more important than hockey. Just hoping Oskar makes a full recovery.
— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) December 13, 2019
One of the best parts about hockey is the community it comes with. There’s so much support for Oskar Lindblom inside the @NHLFlyers, @NHL and more. We’re with him every step of the way! 🏒🙏🏼
— Katie Emmer (@KatieEmmer) December 13, 2019
Prayers and thoughts to you Oskar. Get better buddy. #oskarstrong https://t.co/jdH0ssZkSU
— Scottie Upshall (@ScottieUpshall) December 13, 2019
The #FlyersWarriors are fighting with Oskar Lindblom pic.twitter.com/orR3XGUkga
— Philadelphia Flyers Warriors (@FlyersWarrior) December 13, 2019
Thoughts with @oskarlindblom. The hockey world can do a beautiful thing and rally behind this young man who has been nothing but a good human and a great hockey player. Praying for him.
— Colby Cohen (@ColbyCohen36) December 13, 2019
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