LeBrun: ‘Dialogue continues’ between Calgary Flames and Elias Lindholm on new contract

It’s probably not telling tales out of school to say that Calgary Flames sure would like to have Elias Lindholm signed to an extension. Their hope was probably to have him signed before the regular season began, but Wednesday’s opener came and went and, as of yet, Lindholm hasn’t put pen to paper.

But The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun noted in his weekly rumblings column that “the dialogue continues.”

Here’s a snippet of LeBrun’s update:

Lindholm had three points – the game-winning goal and two assists – and won 84% of his face-offs in Calgary’s opening win over Winnipeg. That game was, in a few ways, an encapsulation of why Lindholm’s so important to the Flames’ attack. At key moments, he’s somebody they rely heavily upon, arguably moreso than anybody aside from their goaltender.

Lindholm’s centrality to the Flames’ success makes him pretty valuable, something that’s likely not lost on the team or the player’s camp. Lindholm’s represented by Newport Sports – the same agency that represents teammates Jacob Markstrom, Chris Tanev and Adam Ruzicka, as well as close contractual comparables Mark Schiefele and Bo Horvat – so there’s probably a good handle on what Lindholm would be worth in the open market and what a long-term deal for a player of his stature would need to look like.

The Flames like Lindholm. By all accounts Lindholm is open to remaining a Flame. No contract has been agreed upon but, as the saying goes, talks continue.