GOOD NEWS: Bruins Named ‘Most Interesting Suitor’ for 29-year-old Star
The Boston Bruins have emerged as the top contenders for Elias Lindholm, the 29-year-old forward currently with the Vancouver Canucks. As the NHL offseason heats up, speculation grows about Lindholm’s potential move to the United States, with many insiders linking him to the Bruins.
Eric Beaston of Bleacher Report suggested on June 18 that the Bruins are likely to sign Lindholm, describing them as “the most interesting potential suitor.” Despite their strong rosters, the Bruins have fallen short of the Stanley Cup the last two seasons, making Lindholm a potentially crucial addition.
Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet also noted on the Jeff Marek Show on June 10 that it seems unlikely Lindholm will re-sign with the Canucks, paving the way for his free agency.
Elias Lindholm’s Possible Departure from Vancouver
Lindholm’s stint with the Canucks, acquired in a trade with the Calgary Flames in February, was impactful yet brief. He scored 12 points in 26 regular-season games but the Canucks fell to the Edmonton Oilers in Game 7 of the conference semifinals.
Friedman, on the Jeff Marek Show on June 17, highlighted financial constraints and other pending free agents as reasons for Lindholm’s likely departure. “I think Elias Lindholm is out, and the trade opens the door to others,” Friedman stated.
Vancouver’s interest in other top-tier forwards, such as unrestricted free agent Jake Guentzel, as reported by Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff on June 18, further suggests Lindholm may be on his way out.
Bruins’ Approach to Signing Lindholm
The Bruins have been keen on acquiring Lindholm, especially as he approaches free agency. NHL insider Chris Johnston mentioned on March 5 that the Bruins were linked to Lindholm in a potential deadline trade.
CapFriendly projects the Bruins to have $21 million in cap space this offseason, despite only having 17 of 23 roster spots filled. Beaston believes the Bruins can manage their cap and potentially land Lindholm, noting they could create additional cap room before July 1.
https://x.com/reporterchris/status/1765128035974459864
“The team has its own decisions to make regarding goaltenders Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman, which would theoretically free up cap space and make pursuing Lindholm easier,” Beaston wrote.
Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News emphasized that Lindholm could be the final piece for the Bruins to contend for the Stanley Cup. “The Bruins need a top-six center, and Lindholm would give them that,” DeRosa wrote on June 11. “He is an outstanding two-way forward who contributes offensively and is effective defensively.”
Lindholm, despite averaging his lowest ice time since the 2017-18 season with Carolina, achieved his highest career point total this past season. His previous contract with the Flames was worth $29.1 million over six years. Evolving-Hockey projects Lindholm to sign a four-year deal with an annual cap hit of $8.7 million.
As the offseason progresses, the Bruins’ pursuit of Lindholm could be a game-changer for their Stanley Cup aspirations.
Leave a Reply