The Vancouver Canucks acquired Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames in the middle of last season, and at one point they offered a contract extension that he declined, so they are now operating under the assumption that they will be unable to retain the unrestricted free agent.
“We talked about how Canucks were willing to go seven times seven for Lindholm,” Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet said. “It doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. so, Canucks are looking at this like we probably can’t keep Lindholm, what is our next option.”
It is notable that Elias Lindholm turned down a deal that would have paid him $49 million over seven years with the Canucks. It appears that he either is not comfortable with the fit in Vancouver, or believes he could make more money if he hits the open market. It is also possible that the Canucks could trade his signing rights to another team before free agency actually starts.
The Canucks took a big step this season, making the second round and losing to the Edmonton Oilers in seven games, with injuries to many key players like Brock Boeser and Thatcher Demko missing time due to injury. Some good moves along with staying healthy could have Vancouver back in contention in the Western Conference next season. It will be interesting to see if there is a change of course and the Canucks are able to retain Lindholm before he hits free agency. As of right now, it seems unlikely.
Elias Lindholm’s Canucks stint
After coming over from the Flames, Lindholm played in 26 games for the Canucks, putting up six goals and six assists for 12 points, according to NHL.com, which was disappointing considering the type of contract he hopes to get. Still, it is tough to come in and light it up on a team that has established scoring options in the middle of the season. He did score five goals and have five assists for 10 points in the Canucks’ playoff run, which went 13 games.
With the Flames, he put up nine goals with 23 assists for 32 points in 49 games. Lindholm’s career high in points came in the 2021-2022 season, when he scored 42 goals and recorded 40 assists for 82 points in 82 games played. Teams are undoubtedly dreaming of that type of season again, especially from the center position.
Lindholm played on the second line for the Canucks with Dakota Joshua on the left and Conor Garland on the right. If the Canucks are unable to retain Lindholm, they will have to bring in some other type of center this offseason. There are some interesting names on the free agent market, but it is unknown whether or not those players would be affordable or want to play for the Canucks. Only time will tell.
