BOSTON — As he continues to try to find the best of his game, Bruins center Elias Lindholm will go back to the last place he had it.
For the first time since he was traded to Vancouver and then signed with the Bruins as a free agent, Lindholm is headed back to Calgary.
“I haven’t been back. So it’s gonna be exciting,” said Lindholm, whose only two games vs. his former team as a Canuck were played in Vancouver. “I was there for a couple of years and loved my time there. I really enjoyed it and, and you know, met some great people played for a good team. It was definitely good memories. So it will be exciting to get back.”
- BETTING: Check out our MA sports betting guide, where you can learn basic terminology, definitions and how to read odds for those interested in learning how to bet in Massachusetts.
In his five full seasons with the Flames (2018-23), Lindholm averaged 27.8 goals and 65.0 points per season. He was widely considered one of the best two way centers in the NHL. He struggled last year in a half-season as a Canuck after being traded in February, but the Bruins hoped that Boston’s system and structure would foster a return to that level for the 30-year-old center.
They believed it enough to sign him to a 7-year, $54.25 million deal. But after missing most of training camp with an injury, Lindholm has just three goals and 11 assists so far through 32 games.
Bruins interim coach Joe Sacco said Lindholm’s overall play has been strong despite his lack of offensive numbers.
“He’s handled it fine. I think he’d like to see more production offensively, but he still gets a lot of responsibility,” Sacco said. “He’s still playing against top lines every night. The work he has to do down low in our own zone is taking. It takes a toll on you. I think that’s been an adjustment for him as far as how we play. Overall, I think he’s fit very well. He’s doing a good job. Offensively, if he continues to take care of his responsibilities away from the puck, the numbers will come.”
Lindholm, who has played better since switching from a line with David Pastrnak and Pavel Zacha to one between Brad Marchand and Justin Brazeau, is less forgiving.
“For myself, I haven’t played as good as I would like, but as long as we’re winning, we’re fine,” he said. “Obviously I would like to play better and help the team to win more games. I would like to produce more, but it is what it is right now. All you can do is work hard, help your team defensively right now and when the chances are there, you got to bury them and take care of them.”
“I would like to be more involved and help out” he added. “Just gotta bear down and work hard and, and try to do better.”
Despite his struggles, he said he’s enjoyed Boston and being part of both the city and the organization.
“Everything has been awesome so far,” he said. “Obviously, we would like to win a couple more games, but we’re coming and we’re getting better.”
