Despite being one of the hottest teams in the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks aren’t standing pat. The team just announced it had acquired All-Star center Elias Lindholm in a trade with the Calgary Flames.
Lindholm, set to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, was considered one of the most sought-after players on the trade market. The Canucks ended up making the best offer that included winger Andrei Kuzmenko, prospects Hunter Brzustewicz and Joni Jurmo, as well as a first-round selection in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Lindholm is considered to be a great fit for Canucks, especially as he fills out the need for a right-hand center. He also vastly improves the team’s power-play units while being able to respond in defensive situations.
In 49 games with the Flames this season, Lindholm had nine goals and 23 assists for a total of 32 points. While this represents a drop-off compared to his previous seasons, the 29-year-old player showed at various points that he can still be a difference-maker on ice on any given night.
The Flames, on the other hand, are getting quite a haul for a player who could have walked away for nothing in the summer. They get an influx of youth players and draft assets, while Kuzmenko can immediately step in to contribute. Kuzmenko has eight goals and 13 assists in 43 games in 2023-24.
