This Boston Bruins forward is a clear bounce-back candidate for the 2024-25 season.
Earlier this offseason, the Boston Bruins landed their much-needed first-line center, signing Elias Lindholm to a seven-year, $52.5 million contract. With this move, the Bruins have significantly boosted their forward group.
However, Lindholm is coming off a down 2023-24 season. In 75 regular-season games split between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks, he posted 15 goals and 44 points. While these numbers are not bad, they were low for Lindholm's standards. He did, however, pick up his play during the Canucks' playoff run, recording five goals and 10 points in 13 games. This could be an indicator that Lindholm will turn things around in 2024-25.
Another massive reason Lindholm is expected to bounce back next season is that the Bruins will put him in a massive position to succeed. As noted above, he is expected to play on their first line with superstar David Pastrnak and forward Pavel Zacha. These three skilled players will have the potential to make some real magic together, and it should help boost Lindholm's stats.
Elias Lindholm
With Lindholm entering the year as one of the Bruins' best forwards, he will undoubtedly be used on their power play, which should also improve his numbers. In addition, his excellent defensive play will make him a key part of their penalty kill. Keep in mind, he was a runner-up for the Selke Trophy just back in 2022.
Lindholm also showed in 2021-22 that he can produce big-time when playing with stars on his line. In 82 games that campaign, playing with Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau, he posted 42 goals and 82 points. Getting another superstar on his line, like Pastrnak, should help him greatly.
We will need to wait and see what Lindholm does for the Bruins in 2024-25, but fans should feel optimistic.
