Failed trade for Elias Lindholm to contender exposed, before he got moved to Vancouver

The Vancouver Canucks became an even bigger threat in the race for the Stanley Cup this week when they acquired star forward Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames in a major trade.

Lindholm, who is a pending free agent, got the Flames a significant package in return, which includes forward Andrei Kuzmenko, Vancouver’s first-round pick and a conditional fourth-round selection in the 2024 NHL Draft, and defenseman prospects Hunter Brzustewicz and Joni Jurmo. The Canucks do hope to sign Lindholm long-term, but still pull the trigger on the trade without an extension included.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reveals how the lack of a contract extension is what stopped one team from making the move with the Flames. Friedman cited a report that an unnamed team was close to acquiring Lindholm, but wanted him with a contract extension, therefore the deal never came through.

Friedman believes that team was the Boston Bruins, who have also been seeking a boost up front ahead of the March 8 trade deadline. So much so, that Friedman added that if even Lindholm hits free agency this summer, the Bruins will be in the mix to sign him.

The Canucks have admitted they will attempt to re-sign Lindholm before the opening of free agency, though it will be something to keep an eye on, especially in Boston, if ever the star forward does become a free agent.

With the deadline and postseason fast approaching, the Bruins will need to look elsewhere for a boost up front, even more so now that Montreal Canadiens’ Sean Monahan has reportedly been traded to the Winnipeg Jets. Darren Dreger of TSN had reported this morning that at least two NHL teams remain focused on the veteran and continue to do due diligence. The Bruins might have been one of the two teams, though they could have, once again, lost out on a top trade bait. 

Recommended articles:

• Canucks trying to sign Lindholm to long-term contract
• Canucks reveal their plans for Elias Lindholm
• Report: Flames back out of Tanev trade
• Canucks pay huge price to acquire Lindholm from Flames
• Canucks trade out fan favorite Kuzmenko in massive deal