Esa Lindell is a notable NHL defenseman, currently playing for the Dallas Stars. He emerged from Finland’s hockey tradition, displaying his skills in junior hockey with HIFK. Drafted 74th in 2012, Lindell has since played over 680 games, accumulating 163 goals and earning a Norris Trophy nomination in 2018. His career statistics demonstrate his defensive expertise, marked by a strong plus/minus rating. Lindell’s path through the NHL reveals much about his impact on the ice and beyond.
Early Life
Esa Lindell developed a passion for hockey from a young age, playing junior hockey with HIFK, where he began to gain recognition for his skills.
His early experiences in Finnish hockey, particularly in the Finnish Liiga, provided him with a solid foundation that prepared him for the challenges of the NHL.
Growing up in a country renowned for its hockey tradition greatly influenced his development as a defenseman.
Lindell’s dedication to honing his craft and competing at high levels highlighted his potential, ultimately leading to his successful career in professional hockey.
Family Life
Esa Lindell maintains a private family life, with minimal public information available about his immediate family. He has chosen to keep personal details under wraps, focusing primarily on his professional hockey career.
Curiously, there are no known records of his family members being involved in professional sports, making his success in the NHL even more remarkable. Despite his achievements, Lindells commitment to his career suggests a strong dedication to his profession over public family discussions.
Career
Esa Lindell, drafted 74th in 2012, has established himself as a key defenseman in the NHL, primarily with the Dallas Stars.
Over the course of his career, he has played 684 games, scoring 163 goals and 54 assists for a total of 217 points.
Lindell’s contributions on the ice earned him a nomination for the Norris Trophy in 2018, and he has received multiple NHL All-Star selections, emphasizing his dual impact in both defensive and offensive play.
With an impressive career plus/minus rating of +138, he has also recorded 1,148 hits and 1,587 blocked shots, showcasing his physical style.
In the 2024-25 season, he averages 22:11 in ice time and maintains a Corsi For Percentage of 50.0%, further emphasizing his significance to the team’s success on both ends of the ice.
Net Worth
Esa Lindell’s estimated net worth is around $5 million, primarily derived from his NHL contract and endorsements.
His recent six-year extension with the Dallas Stars, worth $34.8 million, has considerably improved his financial standing. Throughout his career, Lindell’s earnings from the NHL alone exceed $30 million.
His average annual salary is $5.8 million, with notable salaries for key seasons including $4.5 million in 2018-2019, $5.0 million in 2019-2020, $5.5 million in 2020-2021, $5.8 million in 2021-2022, and $6.0 million in 2022-2023.
Furthermore, Lindell may have further income sources, such as sponsorship deals and appearances, which augment his financial portfolio.

