The Calgary Flames aren’t out of striking distance of a playoff spot, but things are not looking great with four teams between them and eighth in the conference. There has been talk all season of the pending UFAs of the Flames being moved, most importantly Elias Lindholm. Pierre LeBrun wrote last month that there had been no conversation between the Flames and Lindholm and that hasn’t changed to this point. There is no certainty that he will be traded, but it is highly likely at this point of the season. If there is no contract signed before the trade deadline and the team is outside of the playoff picture, then expect a move. There are serious suitors willing to pay.
Other than one big year, Lindholm hasn’t proved that he is an elite top line center. But, he has proved that he is a very good second line center on a contender. That being said, there are three teams that he would fit in the best on this season that are Stanley Cup contenders and looking for exactly what he brings to a team.
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins have looked pretty good down the middle this season despite the low expectations after two huge losses in the offseason. This doesn’t mean they are set for a Cup run though. The team is once again proving doubters wrong and are leading their division, conference, and tied for first in the NHL in points. Of the Bruins’ top three centers, one of Pavel Zacha or Morgan Geekie can surely move over to the wing and Lindholm be inserted as a great two-way addition to the group. With better players around him, I know that Lindholm would benefit offensively like he did a couple of seasons ago between Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk. The Bruins don’t have their first rounder this season, so it could hurt their chances.
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are the expected landing spot of Lindholm this season as they have the need to upgrade their second line center spot. Ross Colton has been playing above where he should and Ryan Johansen isn’t cut out for that role this season. Adding Lindholm would help at both ends of the ice, an element the Avalanche are missing. Lindholm only counts as $4.85 million AAV against the salary cap, so it is very affordable for a team that looks like they will be a force to be reckoned with down the stretch and in the playoffs. While the Flames would have to move a contract back to the Flames, it would help with their depth problem either way.
Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets have surprised this season by winning games as a team. Things didn’t look so hot in the offseason, but they have the best points percentage in their division and have a deep roster. What they are looking to grab before the trade deadline is an upgrade at center for their second line. With Mark Scheifele currently on the IR, the need is even higher for them.
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The team has tried players like Adam Lowry, Cole Perfetti, Gabe Vilardi, and Vlad Namestnikov at center in the top-six, but Lowry is better as the team’s third line center and the rest are better as wingers. The Jets will be pushing hard for a player exactly like Lindholm to bolster their chances at a Cup this season and to help get out of their likely difficult first two round matchups within their division.
