The Calgary Flames have plenty of decisions to make over the coming months, with all eyes firmly set on three stars that are free agents come the 2024 off-season in Tyler Toffoli, Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm, and while rumours have swirled around all three, the latter has been linked to some of the biggest trades possible.
Due to all the speculation, many have come to believe that the Flames top line center doesn’t want to be in Calgary anymore, and while NHL Insider Frank Seravalli has poured cold water on the idea of #28 staying beyond 2023, other reporters believe he loves Calgary and doesn’t want to go anywhere. On the latest episode of the Chris Johnston Show, Johnston stated that he believes Lindholm, who has been with Calgary for the past five years, wants to stay with the Flames, putting an important decision ahead of both parties over the coming weeks.
Over those five years, Lindholm has appeared in 369 games, scoring 139 goals and racking up 186 assists for 325 points, and while many believe he should be shipped out for a top pick or a number of young assets, he could be the most valuable of the pending 2024 UFA’s. Ultimately, Lindholm isn’t going to take a massive discount to come back to Calgary, as the term and value will still be crucial in where he spends the next chunk of time in his career, but right now, it looks like Lindholm returning to the Flames is a major possibility.
So what do you think Flames fans? Is Lindholm extending to consolidate this top line? Should the Flames look to move him? What would you like to get in return? As always, let us know!