Elias Lindholm to the Avs?

There are some rumblings that after the Tomas Tatar experience left Denver that the team was up to something. Could Elias Lindholm be the target?

Friedman on 32TP: “There isn’t a contender in the league who isn’t trying to figure out what the Avalanche are up to, I know some people suspect (Elias) Lindholm, but they’re not the only ones, but I know some people suspect that’s one of the guys that they’re eyeing”

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) December 18, 2023

Some in the rumor mill suggest that Lindholm turned down a massive offer from the Calgary Flames. This could be with the idea that he just doesn't want to be in Calgary anymore, and wants to force his way to the market, or that he maybe wants to move to a team that is in a contending window. With the hot and cold (more frigid than anything) play of Ryan Johansen, from my viewings, he just doesn't fit here. His speed isn't up to the pace that the Avalanche play, and his effort level is not conducive to running the 2nd line, as was the hope previously. Lindholm would be JUST what the doctor ordered here.

Lindholm is having a bit of a down year, but I'd say its more based on the situation and state of the Calgary Flames, combined with a bit of "I don't love being here" on his part. Before this season, since joining the Flames, the center has some strong stats:

Games: 369
Goals: 139
Assists: 186
Points: 325
Faceoffs: 53.1%

Over an 82 game season, that's an average of:

Goals: 31
Assists: 41
Points: 72

That is prime production for a 2nd line center with good defensive acumen. This is the type of 2C the Avalanche have missed since Nazem Kadri chased the bag to the same Calgary Flames.

Lindholm is a UFA after this year, and therein lies the risk. The Avs could pay a bunch of assets for a player that only stays for half a season. While Lindholm isn't having a 9+ million season (the rumored offer he rejected earlier from Calgary), he will command a good amount of money, and this could lead to some players moving from the Avs.

Could the Flames be interested in something like this: 1st 2024 Colorado + Ryan Johansen + Calum Ritchie? Is that too much? Not enough? Is it worth the risk of losing Lindholm after this year?

Jump in the comments section and let me know your thoughts!

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