Lindgren started his National Hockey League career with the Vancouver Canucks in 1978, after having played for Modo Hockey in Sweden. He also played for the Minnesota North Stars. He played for Sweden in the 1977 and 1978 World Championships and in the 1981 Canada Cup. The Canucks signed him as a free agent in 1978. Lindgren played almost six seasons there and was traded to the North Stars during the 1983-84 season. He left the NHL after the 1984 season. He played one season in 1985–86 for Lulea HF of the SEL. He later became a coach for the team in 1992-93.