Could we see Carl Lindbom on the main roster sooner than we think?

Carl Lindbom has received plenty of praise for his ascension in hockey. The Swedish goaltender has put up eye-popping stats, including a stunning 2023-24 campaign with Farjestad BK of the Swedish Hockey League (GAA of 2.12 and a save percentage of .911). He's also posted a GAA of 1.86 and a save percentage of .930 in 2022-23 with Djugardens IF, making him one of the fastest-rising prospects in the NHL.

It was easy to see why Lindbom is highly regarded, especially in yesterday's performance against the Los Angeles Kings. He stopped 14 shots and withstood a late 6-on-5 barrage, tag-teaming on a shutout with Jesper Vikman for a 2-0 victory. The former seventh-round pick might be a fantastic story, establishing himself as the starting goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights.

But could that future come sooner than fans think? Many moving parts are involved with the Swedish netminder grabbing the starting role in a couple of years. That includes the current goaltender, Adin Hill, and what he does in 2024-25. It also hinges on the prospect's further development, which could catapult him to that role. Let's dive into the logistics and see what could happen in the future.

What factors could affect Carl Lindbom getting the Vegas Golden Knights starting role sooner?

The elephant in the room is Adin Hill, who's in the last year of his two-year, $9.8 million contract. He's expected to be in the net for the Vegas Golden Knights this season with Logan Thompson heading to Washington, D.C. How the 2023 Stanley Cup Final hero plays this upcoming season will determine when (or even if) Lindbom gets the call-up and the starting role.

If Hill outperforms and plays well consistently throughout the season, he'll be considered for another deal. However, that could be a pricier contract that could leave the Golden Knights no choice but to move on. Bear in mind Shea Theodore's also a free agent after the 2024-25 season and Jack Eichel will be due a big payday.

Of course, this also factors the SHL star's play into consideration. Will he continue to develop into a formidable goaltender in North America? Will he keep up with the faster pace of the NHL and its minor league affiliates? That's the big question the former seventh-round pick will face as he travels to a new continent.

Carl Lindbom showed great promise in the first game of the Rookie Faceoff. He was poised under pressure and followed the puck well, reacting to each moving part. If the Golden Knights get this version of the Swedish goaltender, they'll have a new starter sooner than they think. That's good news for a franchise searching for a netminding answer since Marc-Andre Fleury was traded.

Why it won't happen sooner than people think

The Vegas Golden Knights have a logjam in the goaltender pipeline. That includes his fellow Rookie Faceoff netminder, Jesper Vikman, and Isaiah Saville. The Golden Knights also acquired Akira Schmid as part of the Paul Cotter deal with the New Jersey Devils, giving them more future goaltending options.

One thing these three have in common is they're bigger than Carl Lindbom, who stands at 6'0". Yes, the 21-year-old prospect makes up for his lack of size with quickness and agility in the crease. However, size is a valued physical trait for the Golden Knights, including the defensmen and the goaltenders. That won't change with names like Schmid and Vikman getting strong consideration for the role.

Still, Lindbom has a clear pathway to become a solid NHL netminder. He won't be the biggest player on the ice, where he barely makes the six-foot mark. However, if he has strong showings in the minor leagues against other prospects, his stock will soar. That doesn't mean fans should expect him to start next season, especially since he just arrived on North American shores. However, fans could see the young prospect evolve into a starting goaltender soon, given his incredible development.