Summer School: Why Esa Lindell is such an important cog in Stars' machine

As players get ready for the 2018-19 season under new head coach Jim Montgomery, let's take a look at what they did last season and where they can improve in a series we'll call "Summer School." Next up, DallasStars.com senior staff writer Mike Heika takes a look at defenseman Esa Lindell.
Previous installments:Jason Spezza, Tyler Seguin, John Klingberg, Mattias Janmark, Radek Faksa, Jamie Benn, Stephen Johns

Esa Lindell

Position:Defenseman
Age: 24
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight:215 pounds
Shoots: Left
2017-18 Stats: 80 GP, 7 G 20 A, 27 Pts, plus-19, 21 PIM
2018-19 Status: Under contract for $2.2 million.

What happened last year

Lindell took a huge step forward, as he became John Klingberg's regular partner and averaged the second most time on ice on the Stars at 22:05. Lindell and Klingberg had great numbers together, as Lindell finished third on the team in plus-minus at plus-10, was third on the team in SAT (shot attempt differential at even strength) at plus-137 and was third in blocked shots at 123.

Heika's outlook

Lindell is in a group of players who are at the center of the Stars' hope to be a contender right now and for years into the future. Like Radek Faksa, Mattias Janmark and Stephen Johns, Lindell has NHL experience and still is relatively young. He should be getting better every year, and yet he also should already be a solid NHL regular. In addition to the stats above, Lindell played 1:35 on the power play and 1:54 on the penalty kill. He should get more special teams this season. That should allow him to work on the weak spots in his game (he was third on the team with 50 giveaways and was just ninth in hits at 92) and become even better. While we don't know what the new coaching staff will do with defensive pairings, both Lindell and Klingberg like playing together. If that continues, Lindell will be a very important part of the Stars.
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They said it

"He's an all-around defenseman with a good shot and good puck skills. He doesn't lose too many battles, so he's a good all-around defenseman that is really good with the puck. … You can see his confidence is there and he's doing a lot of good reads and playing good defensive minutes. I'm happy to play with him." -- John Klingberg on partner Esa Lindell.

"We think the same about the game and I think it's easy to read what both of us are going to do next. It makes it easier to play with him. It's fun and that's how it's supposed to be." -- Lindell on playing with Klingberg.

"He's got a really good mind for the game. He moves the puck well and simplifies the game. He's very effective and very efficient. … I like his strength. I want him to take away time and space better. It's not that he hasn't done that, it's that we're going to defend differently. I'm going to ask him to do something that he wasn't asked to do last year. I think he has the capability to do that. (Opposing) Players can't go through our defense. Ultimately, I care most that their stick and body are in the right position." -- Stars coach Jim Montgomery on what he has seen from Lindell on film.

"I think it feels better when I play more and the shifts are more consistent and you're in the game more. That helps a lot. You can feel it when there's a little break and you're not on. It helps to play as much as you can and it grows your confidence and then you can see it in your game." -- Lindell on playing 22 minutes a game last season.
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Mike Heika is a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on Twitter @MikeHeika.
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