The Boston Bruins’ signing of Elias Lindholm has been labeled one of the worst contracts handed out in free agency. On July 1, the Bruins addressed their need for a center by signing Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million deal. Despite this being a significant commitment, Jacob Punturi of Sports Illustrated has criticized the contract.
“This is another example of overpaying for a need. The Boston Bruins needed a number-one center and identified Elias Lindholm as the solution. They attempted to trade for him this past season but couldn’t finalize a deal. They only had to wait a few more months to sign him to a massive extension,” Punturi wrote.
“The Bruins signed Lindholm to a seven-year deal with an AAV of $7.75 million. It’s a huge commitment for a player with just two seasons of 70 points or more over 11 NHL seasons. He’s historically a 50-point player, and the Bruins are paying him like he is Patrice Bergeron,” Punturi added.
Lindholm’s Recent Performance
Lindholm’s past season was split between the Calgary Flames and the Vancouver Canucks. In 75 games, he recorded 15 goals and 29 assists for 44 points. His career-high in points is 82. Despite struggling initially with the Canucks, the Bruins hope he can return to his Calgary form, especially in an increased role in Boston.
Analyst’s Doubts
Punturi believes the length and financial commitment of Lindholm’s contract are problematic. Although Lindholm is a solid NHL center who will improve the Bruins, Punturi argues they are overpaying for a player who isn’t a true No. 1 center.
“Lindholm will improve the Bruins, that isn’t up for debate. He may even reach the 70-point mark again, but there’s a far better chance that he underperforms for the next seven seasons, and the Bruins will still need a number-one center,” Punturi said.
According to DailyFaceoff.com, Lindholm is projected to be Boston’s first-line center. However, Punturi predicts he will eventually be demoted to the second line, exacerbating the contract’s negative impact.
GM Don Sweeney’s Response
After Lindholm’s underwhelming performance with the Canucks, where he scored just 12 points in 26 games, he showed promise in the playoffs with 10 points in 13 games. Bruins GM Don Sweeney expects Lindholm to thrive in Boston.
“He doesn’t feel like he played as well as he was capable, and then went to Vancouver and played really well in the playoffs. This is a better opportunity for him to go and play with who we think is an elite player in a top-line role,” Sweeney said on July 1. “And the bumper on the power play is a really good fit for us and, ideally, for him. He talked a little bit about the anxiety of being a pending unrestricted free agent last season.”
Sweeney emphasized that Lindholm’s anxiety over his impending free agency may have impacted his performance. He believes that joining the Bruins will align with Lindholm’s goals and enable him to excel.
Lindholm, 29, has been in the NHL since the 2013-14 season. The Bruins are optimistic that this new chapter will see him fulfill the potential they believe he possesses.
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