**Bruins’ $54.2 Million Forward Deal Deemed One of the Worst Contracts**
The Boston Bruins’ signing of Elias Lindholm has been labeled one of the worst deals in free agency.
In need of a center, the Bruins signed Lindholm on July 1 to a seven-year, $54.25 million contract. Although Lindholm is expected to be the Bruins’ top-line center, Jacob Punturi of Sports Illustrated criticizes the deal.
“This is another example of overpaying for a need. The Bruins identified Lindholm as their solution for a number-one center after failing to trade for him last season. They waited a few months and then signed him to a massive extension,” Punturi wrote.
“The Bruins committed to a seven-year deal with an annual average value of $7.75 million. This is a significant investment for a player with only two 70-point seasons in 11 NHL seasons. Historically, he is a 50-point player, yet the Bruins are paying him as if he were Patrice Bergeron,” Punturi added.
Lindholm, who played last season with the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks, recorded 15 goals and 29 assists for 44 points in 75 games. His career-high is 82 points.
Despite struggling initially with the Canucks, the Bruins hope Lindholm will perform as he did in Calgary, especially in his enhanced role in Boston.
**Analyst Predicts Lindholm Will Underperform**
Punturi believes Lindholm’s contract is problematic due to its length and value. While acknowledging Lindholm’s talent, he argues that the Bruins are overpaying for a player he doesn’t view as a true number-one center.
“Lindholm will improve the Bruins, but it’s likely he will underperform over the next seven seasons, leaving the Bruins still needing a top center,” Punturi commented.
DailyFaceoff.com projects Lindholm as Boston’s first-line center, but Punturi anticipates he will eventually be moved to the second line, worsening the contract’s value.
**Bruins GM Anticipates Better Performance**
After struggling with the Canucks, Lindholm played 26 games, scoring 6 goals and 6 assists. However, he improved in the playoffs with 5 goals and 5 assists in 13 games.
Bruins GM Don Sweeney expects Lindholm to excel in Boston, attributing his past struggles to the anxiety of impending free agency.
Sweeney stated, “Lindholm acknowledged not playing to his potential and improved during the playoffs. We believe he will thrive in a top-line role here, and the power play setup suits him well. His free agency concerns were natural, but our discussions reassured him, which is why he joined us.”
Lindholm, 29, has been in the NHL since the 2013-14 season.
