NHL Insider: Lindstrom gets chance with Coyotes

by Jim Gintonio - Dec. 10, 2008 02:44 PMThe Arizona Republic

Windows of opportunity in the NHL don't stay open long.

And once players get a taste of the big time, getting sent back to the minors is deflating as their team bus getting four flat tires in West Texas.

Another crack in that window has opened for Joakim Lindstrom, 25, acquired by the Coyotes from the Anaheim organization, where he played for the Iowa Chops and saw his AHL career reach 200 games.

He appeared in 37 games for the Columbus Blue Jackets in the previous three seasons, and that experience made him crave a return to the NHL.

"It feels incredible," said Lindstrom, a 2002 second-round draft pick (41st overall) of the Blue Jackets. "It's really good to be here.

"You always want to be in the NHL, right? You always got to make the best of it, just try to keep on working hard. It's my dream to play in the NHL. I'm willing to do anything and everything it takes . . . and help the Coyotes in the best possible way that I can."

Lindstrom's call-up is not just to give his ego a boost. He's viewed as smart and skilled forward, and he will be given a good chance to show that he belongs. He'll be on lines with offensively skilled players, and the Coyotes will be looking for production.

As for the frustration of playing in the minors when you think you're ready to move up, he said: "It's not only me. It's a lot of guys around the league. You've just got to deal with it, simple as that."