Lindholm could be the answer for the Bruins' dearth at center

Boston's need to replace Bergeron is a golden chance for Calgary to make a deal

The Boston Bruins are a strong potential trade partner for the Calgary Flames, who must unload a few of their pending 2024 unrestricted free agents.

The most obvious player to depart the Stampede City for Beantown is defenseman Noah Hanifin, a top-pairing caliber blue liner who hails from Boston.

It makes more sense for the Flames and Bruins to discuss a swap involving a center, namely Elias Lindholm.

With slam-dunk, first-ballot hall of famer Patrice Bergeron retired and David Krejci likely to follow suit, the Bruins — who believe they still have legitimate Stanley Cup hopes — must replace their top two centers.

Barring any moves, the candidates to fill those slots are Charlie Coyle and Pavel Zacha, a definite drop off.

Which is why the Flames should be talking turkey with the Bruins regarding Lindholm, or at least Mikael Backlund.

The Bruins are already set up with a strong defense corps led by Charlie McAvoy (very likely their next long-term captain) and Hampus Lindholm, Brandon Carlo, Matt Grzelcyk, Derek Forbort, Jakub Zboril and Kevin Shattenkirk.

It is the forward ranks with gaping holes the Flames could help fill for the right price.

By no means is Lindholm is Bergeron, but find anybody who is and legitimately available via trade. That said, Lindholm has the offensive touch to mesh with David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand on the top line, and still maintain the strong defensive play necessary of a first-line center.

Backlund would be a strong complementary pivot to go with Zacha and Coyle, in a three-headed monster idea.

What the Bruins can offer in return is a curious discussion.

By all accounts, Boston has one of the league’s weakest prospect pools, but that does not mean the Bruins do not have up-and-comers who would be of interest.

With most of Calgary’s crew of defensemen pending UFAs after the 2023-24 season, Mason Lohrei should be atop the wish list. The 6-foot-4, 204-pound defenseman drafted 58th overall in 2020 turned pro after netting four goals and 32 points in 40 games for Ohio State in his sophomore season. At 22 years old, Lohrei could potentially step into the NHL on a full-time basis this season.

Right wing Fabian Lysell, the 2021 first-round pick (21st overall), collected 14 goals and 37 points in 54 games last season with the AHL’s Providence Bruins, which were sold numbers for a skater who turned 20 in January after playing at the world juniors.

There’s also center Matthew Poitras, the 2022 second-round pick who posted 16 goals and 95 points in 63 regular season games for the OHL’s Guelph Storm.

Any trade involving Lindholm would include more than just one player, draft pick or prospect coming in return, but any of those prospects would be a good starting point for a Flames team needing to rebuild.