What could an Elias Lindholm trade return look like for the Calgary Flames?

We are 44 days away from the trade deadline. The Calgary Flames are going to be one of the busiest teams in the NHL over that time period with the potential trades of Elias Lindholm, Chris Tanev, Noah Hanifin and others.

Last week we took at look at what trade returns could look like for Tanev and Hanifin. Today, we will take a look at what the Flames could get for their all-star, Elias Lindholm.

Lindholm has a fantastic reputation around the NHL for being a top six, two-way centre. What he is most known for is his versatility and his 200 foot game. Lindholm is one of the rare forwards in the NHL who excel at even strength, on the penalty kill, and on the power play. That type of versatility is something all contenders covet around the trade deadline as they gear up for a long playoff run. He also has the reputation of being an elite defensive centre as he has finished 2nd and 10th in Selke Trophy voting in the last two seasons respectively.

On the defensive side of the puck, Lindholm can hold his own against high quality competition. Coaches can put him on the ice against opposing teams top lines and at the end of games to protect leads.

Lindholm can also produce offence. He’s produced at an above average rate, even in the seasons when he hasn’t played with Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk.

However, he is having a down year when it comes to his goal scoring totals and his underlying numbers. As of Jan. 24, Lindholm is on pace for only 14 goals, and is last among Flames forwards in HDCF%, xGF%, and SCF%. It’s something teams are likely aware of and might get in the way of the Flames getting full value for Lindholm.

Here are trades the Flames could use as comparables when coming up with their price for Lindholm. These aren’t perfect but I think Lindholm is in the same conversation as the main players who were moved in these deals.

Despite having a down year, Lindholm should still fetch the Flames a solid return in a trade. His reputation around the league is nearly spotless. Teams love players like him because of how resourceful they are.

Because of that, I think the Flames should be able to get a first-round pick, and either a high end prospect or a youngish NHL player that they can plug into their lineup this year.

To Calgary: 2024 first-round pick & Nils Hoglander

To Vancouver: Elias Lindholm