Could the Trade Market Open Up For Elias Lindholm?

Rumors and speculation picked up on Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm, including being tied to the Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals.

The Calgary Flames appeared on the verge of making several big moves approaching the 2023 NHL draft (June 28 and 29). Trade rumors swirled due to uncertainty over whether Elias Lindholm and Mikael Backlund would agree to contract extensions while Noah Hanifin and Tyler Toffoli indicated they would not re-sign with the Flames.

The New Jersey Devils acquired Toffoli on June 27. For the time being, Lindholm, Backlund and Hanifin remain with the Flames.

Rumors regarding Backlund and Hanifin have gone quiet for the most part. However, some pundits suggest the 28-year-old Lindholm could be a potential replacement for the recently retired Patrice Bergeron on the Boston Bruins' top line. 

NBC Sports Boston's Nick Goss and the Boston Herald's Steve Conroy believed Lindholm's age and two-way abilities would make him the best choice. THN Calgary's Randy Sportak also suggested Lindholm as a viable option for Boston while The Score's Josh Wegman had him atop his list of five centers the Bruins could target as Bergeron's replacement.

The Bruins, however, might not be the only club to consider pursuing Lindholm. THN Washington's Sammi Silber last week suggested his two-way play and leadership would make him a good addition to a club like the Washington Capitals that needs a reliable top-six center.

So far, there's no indication the Flames are shopping Lindholm. During a July 18 appearance on the NHL Network, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said they haven't given up hope of extending him, and he hasn't yet said no. Friedman speculates it could cost the Flames almost $9 million annually to re-sign Lindholm.