Bruins Trade Talk: Bruins And Avalanche In On Lindholm?

If the Boston Bruins are eyeing a potential acquisition of Calgary Flames center Elias Lindholm before the NHL Trade Deadline on March 8, they will face tough competition in the trade market. Despite the NHL Holiday Roster Freeze being in effect until Dec. 28, trade rumors continue to circulate.

In the latest edition of ‘TSN Insider Trading,’ NHL insider Pierre LeBrun linked the Boston Bruins to Lindholm, a potential 2024 unrestricted free agent for the Flames. LeBrun also mentioned the Colorado Avalanche as another Stanley Cup contender interested in Lindholm. While emphasizing that there haven’t been significant conversations between Lindholm and the Flames regarding a move, LeBrun, like many in the NHL, believes Lindholm might be traded before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline.

LeBrun noted that it has been quiet on the Lindholm front, with limited discussions between Lindholm’s camp and the Flames. However, he anticipates a deal closer to March 8, with the Boston Bruins and the Colorado Avalanche emerging as potential suitors due to their need for a player with Lindholm’s skills.

However, the Bruins face challenges in acquiring Lindholm, as they lack a 2024 first-round pick, having traded it last year for Tyler Bertuzzi. The Avalanche are also in the hunt for a top-six upgrade but are cautious about the acquisition cost. LeBrun highlighted the Bruins’ disadvantage in not having a 2024 second or third-round pick, making it difficult to compete with other interested teams unless they can offer 2025 and beyond picks.

The Bruins’ situation is further complicated by their limited draft assets, making it challenging to present a competitive offer for Lindholm. The only potential saving grace for the Bruins could be if the Flames prioritize roster players over future assets, especially if key Bruins players like Jake DeBrusk and Matt Grzelcyk, both potential 2024 UFAs like Lindholm, remain unsigned. In such a scenario, the Bruins might entice Flames general manager Craig Conroy with a combination of roster players and prospects.