Almost Done: The Bruins Closing In On Deal To Sign 6′1″, 202 lb Free Agent Top-Tier Forward
The Vancouver Canucks explored trading Elias Lindholm prior to the trade deadline, with the Boston Bruins reportedly interested. In the summer, the pending free agent may depart Canada and travel to the United States.
Eric Beaston, writing for Bleacher Report on June 18, predicts that the Bruins will sign Elias Lindholm.
“The most interesting potential suitor would be the Boston Bruins, a team that has Stanley Cup aspirations but has fallen short each of the last two seasons, despite loaded rosters,” Beaston had written.
Adding credence to this scenario, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman also mentioned on the Jeff Marek Show on June 10 that it seems unlikely the Canucks will be able to re-sign Lindholm, allowing him to enter free agency.
Elias Lindholm’s Possible Departure from Vancouver
Elias Lindholm’s time with the Vancouver Canucks has been brief yet significant, albeit to varied degrees and not when it counted the most.
In February, the Vancouver Canucks traded for Lindholm from the Calgary Flames. Lindholm recorded 12 points in 26 regular season games for the Canucks, but Vancouver lost in Game 7 of the conference playoffs to the Edmonton Oilers.
Friedman predicted Lindholm’s exit on The Jeff Marek Show on June 17, citing budgetary restrictions and pending free agents.
“I’ve been watching Vancouver while waiting. For example, I believe Elias Lindholm has been traded, and this opens the door for others. Friedman believes there is a structure for a Tyler Myers agreement, but is not yet ready to announce it officially.
The Canucks are also hoping to sign additional top-tier forwards in free agency, which may leave Lindholm on the outside looking in and up for grabs.
According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, Vancouver may be interested in signing winger Jake Guentzel, who is set to become an unrestricted free agency this summer.
Bruins’ Approach to Signing Lindholm
The Boston Bruins are interested in acquiring Elias Lindholm, who is nearing free agency and has been connected to a potential deadline trade, according to NHL insider Chris Johnston on March 5.
According to CapFriendly, the Boston Bruins will have $21 million in salary space this offseason, despite having only 17 out of 23 players under contract on their roster.
Beaston believes the Bruins will be able to manage their cap and perhaps land Lindholm, given that they can still create some bonus cap room before July 1.
“The team has its own decision to make in regards to goaltenders Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman, which would theoretically free up cap space and make pursuing Lindholm easier,” according to Beaston.
According to Michael DeRosa of The Hockey News, Lindholm could be the final piece lacking from Boston’s puzzle to get over the hump and compete for the Stanley Cup.
“The Bruins need a top-six center, and Lindholm would provide that,” wrote DeRosa on June 11. “When at his peak, he is an excellent two-way forward who contributes offensively while also being good defensively. If the Bruins sign Lindholm, he will immediately become their best center.”
Lindholm averaged 17:42 of ice time with the Canucks, the lowest figure since his 2017-18 season with Carolina, yet his overall point total for the season was the highest of his career.
The Flames signed Lindholm to the contract he just completed, worth $29.1 million over six years, in 2018. Evolving-Hockey projects Lindholm to sign a four-year deal with an annual cap hit of $8.7 million.
