Why An Elias Lindholm Trade For The Bruins Could Be Difficult

Elias Lindholm was sold to Boston Bruins fans as a "Patrice Bergeron" style center after being signed by general manager Don Sweeney in 2024. Despite that characterization, Lindholm has been a disappointing presence in Boston. 

Signed to a seven-year, $7.75 M average annual value deal, the Bruins counted on Lindholm to be the top-center in the organization. 

But after exiting the Calgary Flames organization, his star has waned. 

Year 3

The 2026-27 season will be Lindholm's third-year as a Bruin, and his production has been disappointing. In 151 games, he's scored a meager 34 goals and 61 assists for 95 points. 

He hasn't been able to match his career year in 2021-22, under Darryl Sutter, where he scored 42 goals and 82 points as a points-per-game player alongside former linemates Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau. 

He finished 2025-26 with a 46.9 Corsi-For percentage, a stat that is dismal, especially for a veteran who should know how to maintain possession of the puck. 

Why A Trade For Elias Lindholm Won't Work

In addition to the $7.75 million AAV GM Don Sweeney rewarded Lindholm with, he's given the veteran center a no-movement clause attached to the contract. 

The NMC doesn't become a modified-no trade clause until the 2029-30 season. 

Making a trade for Lindholm is a challenge that is unless Sweeney finds a good destination for Lindholm, and of course if Sweeney is willing to retain a percentage of his salary. A topic that might come up in negotiations. 

A Lindholm trade might be more difficult than Bruins fans bargain for, especially when they wish for something of this magnitude.