By: Declan Flavin | Follow me on Twitter / X @FlavinDeclan
The Boston Bruins missed defenseman Hampus Lindholm desperately during the 2024-25 season, and they will be ecstatic to have him back this year. He was playing and executing well on both ends of the ice, only to suffer a crushing knee injury that ultimately set off dominoes throughout the defensive corps. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy was without a consistent linemate for most of the season, and the team’s five-man unit as a whole could not transition as well without Lindholm.
Although there are still areas of his game he can improve, fans have learned to appreciate the versatility that he brings. The team is now looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, expecting Lindholm to bring the same versatility while improving other aspects of his game.
In the Bruins’ own zone, Lindholm is a heavy body with the instincts of a shorter but effective defenseman. He excels at stick placement in passing lanes and getting his stick in along the boards. However, the Bruins would probably like to see improved physicality from him, specifically during box-outs in front of goaltender Jeremy Swayman.
This was something he was showing in spurts last season before the injury, but consistency with it, especially after a hurt knee, will be a key point to watch. If he’s able to do it, it will help the team fend off opposing chances and transition more effectively with the help of Lindholm’s other skill sets.
When the Bruins are exiting their zone and entering the offensive end, Lindholm shines with vision and creativity. This is especially important after a season in which the power play unit struggled with indecisiveness and inconsistency. Lindholm has always brought the most he can provide on the offensive side, so if he needs to do anything this upcoming season, it is to preserve the patience and clarity he brings to the entrance and exit passes.
This is easier said than done after an injury, but he has shown resilience and competitiveness throughout his previous injuries. As long as he’s able to do so, the Bruins should tab him as the main quarterback of the power play unit going forward.
Looking ahead, the Bruins know their aspiration for a more energetic and alert forward group will be greatly helped by Lindholm’s balanced game. In the grand scheme of things, Lindholm will help get the urgent skaters moving north and set up for the critical first pass out of the zone. From there, he will help support forechecking forwards in the opposing zone, making them feel as if they have a sixth forward to rely on when setting up an attack opportunity.
He can be more physical as a player at his position, but regardless, he fits the organization’s next steps quite well. To start the season, anticipate Lindholm turning the clock back to his 2022-23 season with the Bruins.
Leave a Reply