Elias Lindholm Scouting Reports

Lindholm is a name to keep an eye on as the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline nears.
Pending UFA. Current contract carries a cap hit of $4.85 million.
Deployed in all situations for Calgary. Averages 21:00 TOI.
Mid-range physical push back (40 hits / 37 shot blocks)
Very good in the face-off circle (56%). Ability to take key draws in all three zones is a bonus.
Having a bit of a down year offensively (45GP - 8G - 22A) as of January 20th
Plays with pace. Reliable second line center who chips in a variety of ways to team success.

Pending UFA who is having a below standard season for the Calgary Flames in a contract year.
Used in situations. Responsible. Doesn't cut corners defensively. Solid in the face-off circle. Wins over 55% of his draws.
Good skater. Has the ability to push the play offensively and attack off the rush.
Not overly physical, but capable of absorbing contact to extend plays.
Capable of more offensive output.
Expiring contract that carries an AAV of $4.85M

Lindholm is playing out the final year of his current contract. He's scheduled to become a UFA on July 1st / 2024.

The start to his season has been uneven. He's logging first-line minutes and being used in all situations, but his shift to shift impact and detail has room to go to another level.

Over his last five games his TOI has consistently hovered around 22:00 per game, with the exception being one game vs Ottawa (18:39). He's used in all situations, but hasn't scored a goal in the segment (2A).

Lindholm isn't a physical forward. He's more of an area defender in his zone, and tries to create turnovers in the offensive zone by jumping to space quicker than his opponent / taking away space by pressuring the play with an active stick.

Lindholm can push the pace in transition. He's a solid skater who, when attacking with speed, can drive defenders back with his pace / attack. Once settled in the offensive zone he's best described as equal parts shooter / distributor ... but more natural directing pucks on net than making elite plays to line mates.

Lindhom is a (+77) over his last three seasons, but off to a (-4) start in 23/24. The entire team is just off in most categories and he is no different. His execution, and detail, has room to go to another level ... especially his responsibilities in the defensive zone and consistency in the face-off circle.

He has more to give and would be an attractive target, in trade, for a contending team.
He's a mid-range top line player who might be better suited as a 2C.

In the final year of his contract. Pending UFA / summer 2024
The Flames second leading scorer in (22/23)
Half of his goals (10) came on the PP. Quick release in tight quarters. Catches pucks between the dots and provides results.
Moves well. Can drive play in transition but cannot be described as an elite play maker.
Reliable. Competes. Sound hockey sense. Used in all situations. Averaging 20:56 TOI. Wins 58% of his draws.
Off to an uneven start, defensively, as the team adopts a new d-zone coverage strategy that will take time for everyone to adjust to.

His average TOI, historically, hovers between 18 - 20 minutes per game.
Used in all situations. Wins over 55% of his draws. Goal scoring dropped off from a career high (47) last season to (22) this season. Directed less shots on goal. Didn't find pucks in scoring areas as consistently. Playmaking remained constant (42 assists).
A reliable three zone forward with top tier scoring ability. Competes. Some bump to his game (98hits). Can play quick and fast in transition.