Over the last two years, Lindholm has produced like a 2nd line player. To which degree depends on the statistics you look at. His counting totals (48 per 82 games) were that of a high-end 2nd liner while his rate stats (1.58 points per 60 at 5v5) were at the lower end of the spectrum.
Though he does bring *some* value defensively – mainly on the penalty kill – he's not a high-end player without the puck and he's not a possession driver, although he's far from an anchor.
As mentioned in a recent post, I thought $5 million would have been a little high for what Lindholm brings to the table. Getting him at a slightly lower salary tilts the scales in Calgary's favor a bit more.
If Lindholm, who turns 24 in December, doesn't take another clear step forward, $4.85 million is a reasonable salary. Not a steal but not something that is going to cause problems.
If he takes his game up a notch – perhaps while skating on the top line alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan – this could turn out to be a pretty good bit of business Calgary.
I think ~$4.5 million would have been the sweet spot but I have no problem with this deal.
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
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