Lindblom could return for Flyers in postseason, gets three-year contract

Oskar Lindblom could return to the lineup for the Philadelphia Flyers during the postseason.

The 23-year-old forward, who signed a three-year, $9 million contract ($3 million average annual value) on Wednesday, has been out since he was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, in December.

"We're hopeful that Oskar will be one of our 31 players we bring to the bubble in Toronto," Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher said. "We've been working toward that. We'll see how the next few days go, but that's our goal. Our organization wholeheartedly believes in Oskar. Our players believe in him. [Coach Alain Vigneault] believes in him. And I believe in him."

The Flyers (41-21-7, .645 points percentage) will play in the round-robin portion of the Stanley Cup Qualifiers against the Boston Bruins (44-14-12, .714), Tampa Bay Lightning (43-21-6, .657) and Washington Capitals (41-20-8, .652) to determine the top four seeds into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference. Their first game is against the Bruins in Toronto, the Eastern Conference hub city, on Aug. 2.

Lindblom, who was expected to be out for the rest of the season after his diagnosis, completed his cancer treatments July 2.

"We'll see (what's next)," Lindblom said at the time. "I'm going to try to get back from the chemo and take it from there. Haven't planned anything yet, just trying to get back in shape and we'll see how far it goes."

Lindblom skated and worked out with his Flyers teammates on June 23 for the first time since his diagnosis.

"I don't know what's out of the question," Fletcher said. "I wouldn't certainly put any limits on Oskar. We obviously will do everything we can to protect him. But he's looking forward to restarting his life and his career. Whatever that means, we'll find out. We'll work very closely with his medical team and our medical team, and we'll make the right decisions for him."

Lindblom, who could have become a restricted free agent after the season, was tied with forward Travis Konecny for the Flyers lead with 11 goals when he last played Dec. 7 against the Ottawa Senators. He has 57 points (30 goals, 27 assists) in 134 regular-season games and no points in four playoff games.

"I am very excited to be a part of the Flyers for the next three seasons," Lindblom said. "The support that the organization, the fans and the entire NHL has given me has been quite overwhelming. I can't wait to get back skating with the boys and being the professional hockey player I know I can be. I want to thank the Flyers for giving me this opportunity, and I look forward to the day I'm back and contributing to the team's success."

Video: Oskar Lindblom 3 Year extension with Flyers awarded annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.

"I'm very humbled to be considered for this award that so many courageous and great players have won," Lindblom said. "Seeing the overwhelming support from fans, my teammates and the entire hockey community has been very emotional for me and without a doubt helped me get through this difficult time, and back to being with and doing the things I love."