By: Steve McClure | Follow me on Twitter / X @stmcclure1993
Today’s birthday shout-out goes to Bruins’ center Elias Lindholm. The Swedish-born playmaker, in his first season with Boston, has turned 30.
Lindholm arrived this past summer—from Vancouver—as a vaunted free agent signing capable of injecting much needed offense into the Bruins’ top six. After missing a good portion of training camp due to an undisclosed injury, he has produced below expectations—especially on the power play unit. Through the early stages of the regular season, the 6’1” centerman admits self-improvement is needed. His current offensive numbers are substantially below his career-average line of 22-33-55, established over the course of eleven NHL seasons. However, there is room for optimism, as Lindholm broke an eighteen-game goal slump against Utah with a power play strike on November 21. He now has three goals and ten assists on the year.
The fifth overall pick in the 2013 NHL draft for Carolina, Lindholm’s productivity took off once he landed in Calgary via a blockbuster trade. In his first five seasons with the Flames, he scored 22+ goals four times—including a career high 42 goals in 2021-22. Beyond being highly effective on the power play at the bumper position, 31 of those 42 goals—only three years ago—were scored at even strength, no doubt a major factor Boston calculated when signing him this past summer.
Beyond his offensive production, Lindholm has proven himself to be an adept defensive forward as well; he was a runner-up for the Selke Trophy in that fertile 2021-22 season. Boston also pursued him for his much-needed faceoff prowess, as he won faceoffs better than 55.5% of the time over the last three seasons.
Lindholm was traded at last year’s deadline from Calgary to Vancouver. Though his offensive numbers were underwhelming over 26 games with the Canucks, he scored five goals—two of which were game-winners—in thirteen playoff contests. Undoubtedly Boston will count on Lindholm’s offense come playoff time.
In addition to his stellar NHL career, the veteran center is no stranger to the international game. He has won silver medals while playing for Sweden’s 2012 World Under-18 team and their 2013 World Junior team. He also helped Sweden garner a gold medal at the 2017 IIHF World Championship.
Happy birthday, Elias, and many happy returns!
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