At the end of January, the Calgary Flames sent Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Andrei Kuzmenko, Joni Jurmo, Hunter Brzustewicz and 2024 first and fourth round draft picks. In 26 regular season games for the Canucks after the trade, Lindholm had just 6 goals and 12 points, but was a key contributor during the playoffs tallying 10 points in 13 games.
The 29-year-old will become an unrestricted free agent on July first and while the Canucks are hopeful they can sign him to an extension, it would appear Lindholm is set to test the market based on a post from his wife Annica that saw Elias packing a suitcase while their child sits in it with the caption "Last day in Vancouver".
On another post, one user asked "Can't you just stay there?" To which she replied, "Elias becomes a 'free agent' this summer so it is a little different now with a new contract."
Things can obviously change, but it would be more surprising to see him stay in Vancouver at this point than leave. Previous reports indicated that the Boston Bruins almost acquired him and you can be sure they will come calling when the market opens in July.
Given that Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving was the one that brought Lindholm to Calgary, it wouldn't be shocking to hear that the Leafs would show interest in him either - especially with an aging John Tavares getting slower and on an expiring contract. The Leafs need to solidify their second line center position sooner than later and Lindholm could help them do just that.
