The impact of Elias Lindholm’s signing on the Boston Bruins lineup has been profound, enhancing their depth and defensive prowess as they gear up for the upcoming NHL season.
According to a report from NBC Sports Boston, the Bruins wasted no time in bolstering their roster on the first day of NHL free agency by securing Lindholm, a top-six center, to a significant deal.
Sources cited by The Athletic’s Shams Charania indicate that Lindholm will join the Bruins on a seven-year contract worth $54.25 million, equating to a $7.75 million annual salary cap hit.
In a Zoom call with reporters on Monday afternoon, Lindholm expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Bruins, emphasizing Boston’s rich hockey history and competitive roster.
“As soon as Boston came into the picture, it was an easy decision for me,” Lindholm remarked.
“Joining this organization, an Original Six team with so much history and so many good players on the team. Looking at their playoff series versus Florida, they’re pretty much right there. So it was exciting to join this organization.”
The addition of Lindholm addresses a critical need for the Bruins, who sought to strengthen their top-six center position. Lindholm’s versatility promises to make an impact across all facets of the game — from even-strength play to special teams, including power plays and penalty kills.
During the 2023-24 season, Lindholm split his time between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks, tallying 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists) in 75 games.
Elias Lindholm (Photo: NHL)
Despite going through trade rumors early in the season, Lindholm’s focus remained on his performance.
“Going into a season like that, uncertain what will happen… It definitely affected me more than I was hoping,” Lindholm admitted. “I’m glad now that that time is over and now I know for a long time where I’m going to be. It’s exciting.”
Lindholm’s career-best season came in 2021-22 with the Flames, where he scored 42 goals alongside linemate Matthew Tkachuk. His ability to pair with elite scorers, such as David Pastrnak in Boston, suggests the potential for increased offensive production in the upcoming season.
Furthermore, Lindholm’s defensive capabilities are highly regarded, earning him accolades such as second place in Selke Trophy voting.
His proficiency in faceoffs, boasting a career-high 56.7 percent win rate in the 2023-24 season, strengthens the Bruins’ team performance, particularly in critical game situations.
With Lindholm’s signing, the Bruins not only address immediate needs but also fortify their lineup with depth and flexibility at center, offering Head Coach Jim Montgomery numerous strategic options for line configurations.
While Lindholm may not be an elite No. 1 center in terms of individual accolades, his well-rounded skill set and reliability ensure that the Bruins are positioned to compete fiercely next season, making this acquisition a crucial move for the storied Original Six franchise.
