It’s time for another batch of NHL rumours. The Calgary Flames have already made a number of changes. Former Flames player Craig Conroy has replaced Brad Treliving as general manager and Darryl Sutter was fired as coach. One of Conroy’s first orders of business will be finding a new coach. However, he’ll also need to figure what to do with some of the unrestricted free agents on the roster. Today’s NHL rumours takes a look at a possible Elias Lindholm trade.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Elias Lindholm Trade Possibilities
Rumour: The Athletic’s Julian McKenzie answered some questions on a possible Lindholm trade in his most recent mailbag. Lindholm is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the next season. The 28-year-old makes $4.85 million per season, but his contract ends after the 2023-24 campaign. There’s been some hesitancy on if the Swede will re-sign with the Flames.
Let's live in a fantasy land for a moment. If the Flames can't keep Elias Lindholm, could they get a 2023 first-round pick for him as part of their return?
All this and more in the #Flames mailbag @TheAthleticNHLhttps://t.co/NdGP2nKgYH
— Julian McKenzie (@jkamckenzie) May 24, 2023
That reluctance may force Conroy to move Lindholm at some point. McKenzie’s mailbag had questions on if the Flames could get a first-round pick for Lindholm. There may be some hesitancy from a team in the top 10 to give up the pick for Lindholm. However, there may be some teams that could be willing to part with a later first-round choice. Teams like the Nashville Predators and St. Louis Blues have multiple first-round selections and could be tempted if the right offer comes a long.
Could an Elias Lindholm Trade Happen?
Conroy gave off the vibe that he wants Calgary to contend right away. Trading Lindholm may seem counterproductive, but it would free up some salary cap space. This may let Calgary distribute the money to fill the holes elsewhere.
There were some UFAs and RFAs that were willing to get a deal done to stay in Calgary. However, the uncertainty around Lindholm after next season has some wondering if he’ll play for the Flames again.
Main photo by: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
