The Colorado Avalanche might soon see three of the top five selections from the 2013 NHL Draft playing together on the ice, along with the brother of another top-five pick already on their team.
In a recent segment of SportsNet’s 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman discussed the rationale behind Colorado’s trade of Tomas Tatar to the Seattle Kraken. This move allowed the Avalanche to create space on their roster and a small amount of cap space. Among the struggling Western Conference teams, one name stands out: Elias Lindholm.
Friedman hinted at Colorado’s active pursuit, stating, “The Avalanche made that Tomas Tatar trade, and everyone is wondering, ‘What’s next?’ They have some salary cap and roster concerns, but every competitive team in the league is curious about their plans. I’ve heard speculation about (Elias) Lindholm as a potential target.”
Lindholm, in his 11th NHL season and sixth with the Flames, has recorded 20 points in 31 games this year. However, his numbers have dipped compared to his stellar performance in the 2021-22 season when he scored 42 goals and provided 40 assists. Drafted fifth in 2013, Lindholm has been a consistent presence in the NHL since his teenage years and was part of a significant trade between Calgary and Carolina in 2018. Despite his playoff contributions for the Flames, including 17 points in 27 games, the team hasn’t progressed beyond the second round during his tenure, notably facing a first-round defeat by Colorado in 2019.
Friedman suggested, “Lindholm could be a target, but there might be others. Colorado is dealing with roster and salary cap constraints. They might need to wait, but they’re actively monitoring the situation.”
Lindholm’s current contract, concluding this year, carries a $4.9 million cap hit, aligning closely with Colorado’s projected available cap space. His style of play fulfills a vacancy left by Nazem Kadri, now Lindholm’s teammate with the Flames, after his departure from Denver.
If the trade materializes, Colorado has until March 8 to execute it. However, a roster freeze by the NHL will be in effect from Tuesday night until Dec. 28. Presently topping the Central Division with 40 points, the Avalanche remain active in their pursuit.
With Nathan Mackinnon, Jonathan Drouin, and potentially Lindholm, Colorado is set to have a strong representation from the 2013 draft class, and Caleb Jones, a brother of a top-five pick from that year, adds to their connections within that group.
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