The Kamloops Blazers have signed prospect Mats Lindgren, who was drafted seventh-overall by the club last month.

Lindgren, a defenseman who had a college commitment when he was picked by the Blazers, told NL Sports he had a big decision to make about his hockey future. As of today, the 14-year-old from North Vancouver has officially chosen the WHL.

“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,” Lindgren says.

He spent last season with the Burnaby Winter Club, where he put up four goals and 26 points in 27 games from the blue line. His father, Mats as well, played nearly 400 games in the NHL between the Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers and New York Islanders.

Blazers general manager Matt Bardsley says Lindgren is an elite defenseman for 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,” Bardsley says.

Lindgren was one of two first-round draft picks by the Blazers this spring – the first time Kamloops has drafted two players in the first round. Forward Connor Levis, taken 20th overall, has a college commitment like Lindgren did, and is yet to sign a WHL contract. Bardsley said after last month’s draft he was confident both players will end up signing with the Blazers.