Lindros played for the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League for three seasons from 1989 to 1992. During that time, he scored 97 goals and had 119 assists in 95 games played. He attended St. Michael's College School in Toronto with his brother and fellow hockey player, Brett.

Lindros was selected #1 overall by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. Lindros, however, refused to play for the Nordiques. He played for the Philadelphia Flyers from 1992 to 2000, most of the time as the team's captain. A large presence at over 6 feet 3 inches (1.9 m) tall and 230 pounds (104 kg), he plays aggressively with plenty of forechecking. Due to injury, Lindros did not play in the 2000-2001 NHL season. He joined the New York Rangers for the 2001-2002 season.

On January 29, 2004, Lindros sustained his eighth career concussion and, since then, has been sidelined with his career in the NHL in doubt. On February 24, he was given permission by a doctor to resume training, however, two doctors have suggested Lindros retire.