After many months of speculation, the Calgary Flames have traded Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for forward Andrei Kuzmenko, a 2024 first-round pick, prospect Hunter Brzustewicz, prospect Joni Jurmo and a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick.
TRADE ALERT!
The #Flames have acquired Andrei Kuzmenko, a 2024 first round pick, Hunter Brzustewicz, Joni Jurmo and a conditional 2024 fourth round pick from the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Elias Lindholm: https://t.co/aGOGAdiJQ5 pic.twitter.com/8mhmTnRWQx
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) February 1, 2024
Calgary Flames Move Elias Lindholm
When there is smoke there is fire. Following months of reports indicating that Lindholm might be on the trade block, the dominoes finally fell and he is on the move. The 29-year-old Swedish centre is a top two-way centre who has strong playmaking abilities and a deceptively quick shot. Drafted fifth overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2013, Lindholm was traded to Calgary in the summer of 2018. Following that trade, Lindholm really developed into a good top-six forward.
His best season came in 2021-22 when he put up 42 goals and 40 assists in 82 games. Last season he scored 22 goals and 42 assists. Even though it was a drop from his previous year, it was still a very solid season. Some of this drop could be attributed to the fact that Calgary as a team played fairly significantly worse than 2021-22. They failed to reach the playoffs last season. But Lindholm still produced at a solid rate. Lindholm was Calgary’s 2024 All-Star representative after managing to stay in Calgary’s top five in point production.
What This Means
For Calgary, this is a move for a team trying to retool and recoup assets. It’s been a weird few years for Calgary. Reports indicated that Lindholm was on the fence on signing an extension past this season as he will be a UFA seeking a big raise. Seeing this trade, the two sides obviously did not reach such an agreement. But with Lindholm being a coveted asset around the league, this gives Calgary some pieces to work with as they keep figuring out how to construct and develop their team. They also get back an NHL ready piece in Andrei Kuzmenko that may fit in in Calgary after being an odd man out in Vancouver or become another trade piece.
Meanwhile, Vancouver gets a talented centre that can slot on the first or second line. He plays a responsible two-way game but has shown he can both score and distribute the puck at a high rate. If needed, Lindholm can also play on the wing which gives the team some flexibility. Strength down the middle is always important and with Lindholm, the team has definitely improved in that regard.
Main Photo Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
