In Calgary, there's speculation about whether a post-All-Star break push might be too little, too late. The Flames, currently 12th in the Western Conference and trailing by four points for a wild card spot, face decisions by GM Craig Conroy on whether to retain or trade Noah Hanifin, Elias Lindholm, and Chris Tanev.
If Lindholm becomes available, he would likely be the most sought-after center on the market. However, the cost to acquire him could be a deterrent.
Experts Corey Pronman and Julian McKenzie suggest that acquiring Lindholm would require a first-round pick, a top prospect, and a player. This estimation is based on the previous season's trade between the New York Islanders and Vancouver Canucks involving Bo Horvat, which saw the Canucks receive a controlled player (Anthony Beauvillier), a top prospect (Aatu Raty), and a 2023 first-round pick.
Given the cost, teams acquiring Lindholm might pursue a long-term contract with him. Pronman and McKenzie have speculated on potential offers from three teams: the Bruins, Avalanche, and Stars. For the Bruins, the deal could involve Matthew Poitras, a 2025 first-round pick, and center like Morgan Geekie.
The price to pay is very high despite acquiring a player of Lindholm's quality. It's also noted that following the Bo Horvat trade, he signed a long-term agreement. The question to consider is whether the Bruins really need this kind of help for the playoffs?
