NHL: Joe Felino paints a picture of Gustav Lindstrom joining the Canadiens

With the trade sending Jeff Petrie to the Detroit Red Wings, teammate Jean-Christophe Bertrand spoke with forward Joe Felino who knows full well what defender Gustav Lindstrom got in return.

The 23-year-old forward has been around Lindstrom since joining the Griffins from Grand Rapids in the 2019-20 season. Over the last two campaigns, he has also developed in his company with the big club in Detroit.

The former QMJHL Saint John Sea Dogs had good words for the 24-year-old Swede.

“He’s very nice, he’s a good guy in the dressing room. He works hard on the ice. He’s still defensive, he’s smart and he uses his stick well. He’s not necessarily ‘brilliant’ with a lot of offense, but he can contribute if the chance arises,” Felino recounted.

“I’ve been with him for three years and I know he always wants to get better. He’s a really good guy and a good player,” he added of the guy who scored eight points in 36 games last year with the Wings.

Petrie’s arrival adds to a series of moves for the Red Wings to get back into the playoffs as soon as possible after being sidelined in the playoffs since 2016.

“We want to be competitive and I think we’re close to the playoffs. We were a surprise team last year. There were additions to the veterans, and this year we’re continuing to add more depth and stardom with (Alex) DeBrinkat,” Felino said, also referring to the passing of David Peron and Ben Chiarotto. who played with the team last season.

On a personal level, Felino is still looking for a contract because he is a restricted free agent. He’s not too worried about the situation as the start of training camp is about to begin.

We continue to negotiate and this is our situation. We hope to get an agreement soon. No rush as I’m the only player left to sign on to Detroit. We’ll take it day by day and see,” he analyzed.

“I think I took another step last year in my game. I’ve improved in a lot of aspects of my game. I’ve worked on what they’ve told me and I want to keep growing next year. I feel like I can be on another level. It’s a big year for me and I’m ready for what’s to come, “He said.

In 81 games with the Red Wings in the 2022-23 season, Felino scored nine goals and 20 points.