Kamloops Blazers sign their 7th overall pick

The Kamloops Blazers can officially rest easy as they've signed their most prolific prospect of the 2018-19 season.

Kamloops announced today that 7th overall pick Mats Lindgren agreed to a standard WHL Player Agreement with the team.

The left-handed, 5'8 defenseman from North Vancouver played with the Burnaby Winter Club last season where he had four goals, 22 assists, and 26 points in 27 games.

“We are very excited that Mats has decided that the Kamloops Blazers organization is the place for him to continue his development on and off the ice,” said Blazers General Manager, Matt Bardsley. “With elite players, we recognize that they have great options and we are elated that he and his family have chosen our hockey club.”

“We consider Mats an elite defenseman in his age group. His exceptional skating ability combined with his puck skills and vision, along with his drive to be the best will be a great addition to a tremendous group of prospects who will join our team this year and next year.”

Lindgren's father was a former forward in the NHL who played for the Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, and Vancouver Canucks from 1996 to 2003. Mats mentioned he was excited to get the chance to play with such a storied organization.

“I am so excited to be signing with the Kamloops Blazers. They are a great organization with an amazing staff. Matt Bardsley, Robbie Sandland, Shaun Clouston and Darryl Sydor have made me feel welcome these past few months. I couldn’t be happier to be a Blazer and I look forward to making Kamloops my home. I am so excited for what the future holds,” said Lindgren.

Lindgren's WHL career starts Wednesday on the first day of training camp at the Sandman Centre. All practices are open to the public.