Flames center Elias Lindholm is one of the top players believed to be available between now and the trade deadline should the two sides fail to work out an extension between now and then. In an appearance on 630 CHED (audio link), Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli suggested that Calgary’s asking price could involve a first-round pick plus multiple pieces, one of which being NHL-ready or close to it with the team not necessarily motivated for a long-term rebuild. Lindholm is only two years removed from a 42-goal season but has just nine so far through 49 games so far in 2023-24. However, with his track record and defensive ability, there’s a good chance the Flames can land a package like that for the pending unrestricted free agent who will be seeing a sizable raise on his current $4.85MM AAV.
Elsewhere in the Pacific:
- With the Sharks in a full-scale rebuild, many have wondered about the futures of their remaining veteran forwards. One of those is Tomas Hertl and it appears he’s also wondering about his future and where he fits in San Jose’s long-term plans. The center told reporters including Curtis Pashelka of The Mercury News that he’d like to discuss his fit with the organization moving forward. Before adding him to the speculative rumor mill, Hertl acknowledged that those discussions likely wouldn’t happen until the end of the season. The 30-year-old has six years left on his contract after this season with a cap hit of just over $8.1MM. Other teams will likely want San Jose to pay that down somewhat if Hertl and GM Mike Grier decide in the summer or down the road that a parting of ways makes the most sense for the franchise so a move, if one could be coming, could take a while.
- The Canucks announced (Twitter link) that Linus Karlsson has been returned to AHL Abbotsford. The 24-year-old has been shuffled back and forth frequently this month but it hasn’t resulted in much NHL playing time as he has suited up in just four games with Vancouver so far. Meanwhile, in the minors, Karlsson has produced close to a point-per-game, noting 25 points in 28 appearances so far.
Lindholm had one fluke really good year centering Johnny Hockey and Matthew Tkachuk. Otherwise he has been a reliable 2 way center capable of about 25G and 50 points. Not worth the ask mentioned nor the rumored contract want by Elias.
I agree but looking at a site that compares player stats his #s are very comparable to Horvat’s #s, even when eliminating his ppg season, so he is likely to get paid in that range.