BOSTON — Ahead Elias Lindholm was not a brand new title for Bruins common supervisor Don Sweeney and Boston’s entrance workplace.
Two years earlier than Lindholm inked a seven-year, $7.75 million contract in Boston, the Bruins had been wanting on the ahead.
“Kudos to our scouting employees and following these guys and watching the expansion of (Nikita) Zadorov but additionally acknowledging the place Elias stays in his profession and bringing the attributes he does,” Sweeney instructed reporters on Monday. “It’s type of been a two-year pursuit, to inform you the reality, questioning perhaps down the highway if he would ever get to free company.”
The Bruins thought they might have a possibility to commerce for the 29-year-old middle earlier than the 2024 commerce deadline, however the Vancouver Canucks bought to him first. Lindholm was getting into the ultimate 12 months of his contract with Calgary when he was traded to Vancouver on the finish of January.
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In 26 video games with the Canucks, Lindholm scored 12 factors on six targets and 6 assists. As a substitute of re-signing with the Canucks, Lindholm elected to change into a free agent, and the Bruins noticed their likelihood.
“Had probabilities on the deadline to perhaps get in there that didn’t essentially materialize,” Sweeney stated. “When this introduced, we had been very glad.”
The Bruins now have the participant they’ve been taking a look at for the final two years locked down for seven years.
