Jake DeBrusk and Charlie Coyle were The Hockey News picks for the mid-season Selke Trophy. Hampus Lindholm is one of the Boston Bruins' most important defensemen. This is because he plays top-four minutes, works on both special-team units, plays a steady defensive game, and chips in offensively. The Bruins got a big taste of that during the 2022-23 season, as Lindholm posted 10 goals, 43 assists, 53 points, and a plus-49 rating. It was a remarkable campaign for the Helsingborg, Sweden native, and he was named to the NHL Second All-Star Team because of it. It was well deserved, as he was easily among the NHL's top players that campaign. Hampus Lindholm [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1MjUwMzExNDQ5NzQ4NzIy/usatsi_22735922.jpg] Hampus Lindholm However, Lindholm was unable to replicate his big season in 2023-24, recording three goals, 26 points, and a plus-18 rating in 73 games. It was by no means a bad season for the 2012 sixth-overall pick, but it is certainly fair to wonder if he will get his offense back up next campaign. Given how incredibly he performed in 2022-23, it should not be ruled out. Lindholm could also benefit greatly by the Bruins' offseason moves. This is especially the case when it comes to top free-agent signing Elias Lindholm, as the Bruins once again have a legitimate top-six center on their roster. This has the potential to lead to more offense from Hampus and the Bruins' lineup. Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm (27) skates with the puck in front of Ottawa Senators right wing Drake Batherson (19) in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre on Jan 25, 2024. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAzOTAxMDkwMTU0OTQ4MTU2/bos-ott-sider.jpg] Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm (27) skates with the puck in front of Ottawa Senators right wing Drake Batherson (19) in the first period at the Canadian Tire Centre on Jan 25, 2024. Overall, while Lindholm's numbers were down last season, he was still a key player for Boston. His biggest play of the year came in Game 7 of the first round against the Toronto Maple Leafs, as he sent David Pastrnak the legendary bank pass that led to the Bruins' series winner. He also notably scored the third-period tying goal that forced overtime in Game 7. Yet, if Lindholm replicates his 2022-23 form, it would be massive for the Bruins. Let's see if the 30-year-old can do just that. RECENT BRUINS NEWS 2 Bruins Legends Ranked Among 21st Century's Greatest [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/2-bruins-legends-ranked-among-21st-centurys-greatest] Boston Bruins Forward Could Be Big Surprise [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/bruins-forward-could-be-big-surprise-next-season] Bruins Defender Could Become Key Piece [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/bruins-defender-could-become-key-piece] Bruins Rising Forward Is Contract Extension Candidate [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/bruins-rising-forward-is-contract-extension-candidate] Bruins Found Hidden Gem in Surging Forward [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/bruins-found-hidden-gem-in-surging-forward] Bruins Forward Set to Smash Career Highs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/boston-bruins/latest-news/bruins-forward-set-to-smash-career-highs]
