Eric Lindros facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eric Lindros OOnt
Hockey Hall of Fame, 2016
Lindros in 2016
Born	(1973-02-28) February 28, 1973 (age 52) London, Ontario, Canada
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight	240 lb (109 kg; 17 st 2 lb)
Position	Centre
Shot	Right
Played for	Philadelphia Flyers New York Rangers Toronto Maple Leafs Dallas Stars
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	1st overall, 1991 Quebec Nordiques
Playing career	1992–2007
Medal record Men's ice hockey Representing  Canada Olympic Games Gold 2002 Salt Lake City Team Silver 1992 Albertville Team

Eric Bryan Lindros (born February 28, 1973) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He was known for his powerful style of play. Lindros was born in London, Ontario, but grew up in Toronto.

He played junior hockey for the Oshawa Generals before being picked first overall in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft by the Quebec Nordiques. However, he refused to play for the Nordiques. He was later traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in June 1992. This trade involved many players and draft picks, including Peter Forsberg.

Lindros started his National Hockey League (NHL) career with the Flyers in the 1992–93 season. He was a great power forward, often scoring more than a point per game. His tough playing style sometimes led to injuries, including many concussions. Lindros won the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the 1994–95 season. He also won the Lester B. Pearson Award as the most outstanding player.

After playing for the Flyers, Lindros joined the New York Rangers in 2001. He then played for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2005–06 season. He finished his career in 2006–07 with the Dallas Stars.

Lindros also played for Canada in many international tournaments. He won gold medals at the World Junior Championships in 1990 and 1991. He also won a silver medal at the 1992 Winter Olympics and a gold medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics. In 2016, Lindros was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Flyers retired his jersey number 88 in 2018.

Lindros's Hockey Journey

Eric Lindros played minor ice hockey as a youth. He was part of the Toronto Marlboros and Toronto Young Nationals teams.

Junior Hockey Success (1989–1992)

As a teenager, Lindros became famous for his scoring and physical play. He was often called "The Next One" because of his amazing talent. This nickname was a nod to Wayne Gretzky, who was called "The Great One." People also called Lindros "The Big E."

Lindros was drafted by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds but refused to sign with them. He was then traded to the Oshawa Generals. He played for the Generals from 1990 to 1992. During this time, he scored 380 points in 157 games.

Lindros helped the Generals win the 1990 Memorial Cup. This is a big championship for junior hockey teams. In the 1990–91 season, he won several awards. These included the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy as top scorer and the Red Tilson Trophy as MVP. The Generals retired his jersey number 88 in 2008.

The 1991 NHL Draft Story

Lindros was picked first overall by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. However, Lindros had said he would not play for the Nordiques. He felt there was a "lack of winning spirit" in the team. He also later said his main reason was that he did not respect the team's owner, Marcel Aubut.

Even though he refused to play for them, the Nordiques still drafted him. While waiting for a trade, Lindros played for the Generals and in the 1992 Winter Olympics. He won a silver medal with Canada at the Olympics.

At the 1992 NHL Entry Draft, the Nordiques worked on trades with both the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers. An independent arbitrator decided that the Flyers' trade offer was agreed upon first. So, Lindros officially became a Flyer. The trade brought players like Peter Forsberg and Ron Hextall to the Nordiques.

Becoming a Philadelphia Flyers Star

Lindros quickly became a top player for the Philadelphia Flyers. He was known for his strength and playmaking skills. He scored many points and was one of the most dominant players in the NHL. In 1994, Lindros became the Flyers' captain.

He played on a famous line called the "Legion of Doom" with John LeClair and Mikael Renberg. In the 1995 season, he won the Hart Memorial Trophy as MVP. He led the Flyers to the 1997 Stanley Cup Finals. They beat the Pittsburgh Penguins, Buffalo Sabres, and New York Rangers to get there. However, they lost to the Detroit Red Wings in the Finals.

Lindros faced many challenges with injuries, especially concussions. These injuries caused him to miss significant playing time. In 1999, he had a serious health scare involving a collapsed lung. His relationship with Flyers General Manager Bobby Clarke also became difficult.

In the 1999–2000 season, Lindros suffered more concussions. He returned for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals. In Game 7, he suffered another concussion from a hit by Scott Stevens. The Flyers lost the series, and Lindros became a free agent. He sat out the entire 2000–01 season because he did not want to play for the Flyers anymore.

Playing for New York and Toronto

On August 20, 2001, Lindros was traded to the New York Rangers. He had a good first season with the Rangers, scoring 73 points in 72 games. He was selected for his seventh and final All-Star game. His time with the Rangers was also affected by injuries.

After the NHL lockout cancelled the 2004–05 season, Lindros signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the 2005–06 season. He started well but suffered a wrist injury that ended his season early.

Dallas Stars and Retirement

Lindros signed a one-year contract with the Dallas Stars for the 2006–07 season. He played 49 games and scored 26 points.

Eric Lindros officially announced his retirement from hockey on November 8, 2007, at age 34.

International Play for Canada

Eric Lindros proudly represented Canada in many international hockey events:

• 1990 World Junior Championships (gold medal)
• 1991 World Junior Championships (gold medal)
• 1991 Canada Cup (championship)
• 1992 World Junior Championships
• 1992 Winter Olympics (silver medal)
• 1993 World Championships
• 1996 World Cup of Hockey
• 1998 Winter Olympics
• 2002 Winter Olympics (gold medal)

Life After Hockey

After retiring, Lindros continued to make a positive impact.

• On November 8, 2007, he donated $5 million to the London Health Sciences Centre. This large donation helps sports medicine programs.
• He was appointed as the National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) ombudsman. This role helps players with their concerns. He later resigned from this position.
• Lindros has also helped Habitat for Humanity build homes.
• In 2011, he played in an Alumni Game between the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers.
• In 2016, Lindros supported "Rowan's Law," which is about concussion education.
• In June 2016, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
• On January 14, 2017, Lindros reunited with his "Legion of Doom" linemates, John LeClair and Mikael Renberg, for an alumni game.
• On January 18, 2018, the Flyers retired his jersey number 88 in a special ceremony.

About Eric Lindros's Family

Eric Lindros is the oldest son of Carl and Bonnie Lindros. His family has Swedish heritage. His great-grandfather came to Canada from Sweden.

His father, Carl, played football and became an accountant. His mother, Bonnie, is a registered nurse. Eric has a younger brother, Brett, who also played in the NHL but retired early due to post-concussion syndrome. He also has a sister named Robin.

In 2012, Lindros married Kina Lamarche. They have three children: Carl Pierre, and twins Sophie and Ryan. The Lindros family lives in Toronto. They are also friends with actors Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell.

In 2022, Lindros was made a Member of the Order of Ontario.

Career Statistics

Regular season and playoffs

International

All-Star Games

Career Achievements

Awards

Junior Awards

Professional Awards

International Awards

Quotes About Eric Lindros

• "He had it all: size, strength and finesse. It is unfortunate injuries cut his time in the NHL short, but he had a great career and left his mark on the game." —John LeClair.

Images for kids

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  Number retirement ceremony for Lindros on January 18, 2018

See also

In Spanish: Eric Lindros para niños