Flames Top 25 Under 25: #2 – Elias Lindholm

#2 – Elias Lindholm

Position: Center/Right Wing

Age: 24

Team: Calgary Flames (NHL)

Acquired via Trade on June 23, 2018

Last Year’s Ranking: #5

Anyone still have any doubts about last summer’s blockbuster trade with the Carolina Hurricanes? The man chosen 1 spot ahead of Sean Monahan in the 2013 draft also finishes one spot above him in the Flames Top 25 Under 25. And boy, did Elias Lindholm play like a 5th overall pick this season. In the same amount of games played as last year, Lindholm beat his career high in points by 35 in his first year as a Flame. In 81 games, Lindholm recorded 27 goals (he had 28 assists last year), 51 assists (his career high in points was 45), and 78 points.

And yet perhaps the fact that a career -70 +/- player was able to be an NHL 8th best +30 is the biggest improvement in the 24-year-old’s game. Lindholm also did much more than be the best right shot right-wing the Flames have had since Jiri Hudler’s 2014-15 season. He maintained his above average 54.32 faceoff %, and provided a right handed faceoff man for right side draws, especially on the powerplay.

Lindholm set career highs in powerplay goals (9) and points (26), and gave a unit that has struggled the past few seasons another dangerous option. He also gave the Flames solid penalty killing, while also recording a short handed goal and 3 assists this season.

While Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau deservedly take some heat for a playoff disappearance, Lindholm played decently in his first ever playoff action. In 5 games, he netted a goal and an assist, but also added a little physicality to his game.

by Gordie Taylor