Is Elias Lindholm Just A Rental For The Canucks?
Elias Lindholm is the newest member of the Canucks, but how long will he don a sweater in Vancouver? That appears to be the biggest question after the trade with Calgary. Lindholm will become a free agent after the 2023-24 NHL Season.
President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford talked about where things stand with Lindholm.
“Lindholm could be a rental. He could be a long-term guy. In an ideal world, we’d like to keep him.”
Lindholm, 29, will certainly earn a sizeable raise from the $4.85 AAV that he’s earning this season. His value will also likely skyrocket once he actually starts playing for the Canucks. Lindholm is in the middle of a really down season with the Flames registering just 32 points in 49 games. A number that will get back to his career averages now that he’s back playing with better linemates.
In a perfect world, yes, the Canucks should want to keep Lindholm. He’s the Bo Horvat replacement except with a higher defensive game. Something Rick Tocchet clearly values since taking over the reigns. He’s the perfect second line center this team has been searching for.
The problem is that Canadian taxes might get in the way. Lindholm can obviously cash in way more by taking the same offer in free agency from a team in an American market. Vancouver also has to get a new contract done for Elias Pettersson. Oh, and Filip Hronek also is an impending free agent that needs to be kept.
It’s safe to say Jim Rutherford has his work cut out for him after the season.
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