Elias Lindholm

Last updated

Elias Lindholm
Elias Lindholm 2013-2.jpg
Lindholm with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2013
Born (1994-12-02) 2 December 1994 (age 30)
Boden, Sweden
Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight 192 lb (87 kg; 13 st 10 lb)
Position Forward
Shoots Right
NHL team
Former teams
Boston Bruins
Brynäs IF
Carolina Hurricanes
Calgary Flames
Vancouver Canucks
National teamFlag of Sweden.svg  Sweden
NHL draft 5th overall, 2013
Carolina Hurricanes
Playing career 2011present

Elias Viktor Zebulon Lindholm [1] [ non-primary source needed ] (born 2 December 1994) is a Swedish professional ice hockey player for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2013 NHL entry draft, and spent his first five NHL seasons with them.

Contents

Playing career

Sweden

Lindholm played with Brynäs IF's under-20 team, he played four games for the under-20 team and was the second-leading scorer for the under-18 team. Lindholm was selected in the fourth round (86th overall) by SKA St. Petersburg in the 2011 KHL Junior Draft. [2]

In the 2011–12 season, Lindholm joined Sweden's Elitserien, and played in 14 games, including two playoff games for Brynäs IF. Once again a key offensive force for Brynäs IF's under-20 team and also the 2011 World Junior A Challenge and 2012 World U18 Championships tournaments. [2]

Still with Brynäs, Lindholm led all junior players in the Elitserien with 30 points, recording 11 goals and 19 assists. [2] He skated for Sweden's U20 World Junior Championship in Ufa; scoring 2 goals with 2 assists and was minus-one with 4 penalty minutes in six games, where they won the silver medal. [2]

Carolina Hurricanes (2013–2018)

Following being drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes, Lindholm made the opening roster for the 2013–14 NHL season. He scored his first NHL goal in his fourth NHL game on 10 October 2013. [3] By scoring his first NHL goal at 18 years and 311 days, Lindholm became the youngest Swedish-born NHL player to score a goal, beating Gabriel Landeskog's previous record of 18 years and 324 days.[ citation needed ]

On 8 March 2015, Lindholm scored his first career hat trick in a 7–4 win against the Edmonton Oilers. [4]

Calgary Flames (2018–2024)

On 23 June 2018, Lindholm was traded to the Calgary Flames along with teammate Noah Hanifin in exchange for Dougie Hamilton, Micheal Ferland, and prospect Adam Fox. [5] He signed a six-year contract with the Flames on 16 July. [6] In the 2018–19 season, his first in Calgary, Lindholm mostly played top-line minutes with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan; all three scored career highs in points, with Lindholm scoring 27 goals and a total of 78 points. In the following season he set another new high in goals (29) despite the season being prematurely concluded due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was by this point establishing himself as one of the Flames' most important forwards. [7] When the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs were belatedly held in a bubble in the summer, the Flames defeated the Winnipeg Jets in the qualifying round before falling to the Dallas Stars in the first round. Lindholm managed two goals and four assists in 10 playoff games. [8]

In light of the pandemic, the 2020–21 season was held with a revised format, with all Canadian teams playing in the temporary North Division. [9] The Flames had a tumultuous year, in the course of which coach Geoff Ward was replaced midway through the season by Darryl Sutter. Sutter made significant changes to the team's approach, and returned Lindholm to the centre position after two seasons primarily playing on the right wing, now paired on a top line with wingers Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk that proved an immediate success. He scored 19 goals and 28 assists in only 56 games. The Flames did not qualify for the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs. [10] [11]

Lindholm and Kailer Yamamoto of the Seattle Kraken battle for the puck in 2023. Calgary Flames at Seattle Kraken - November 4, 2023 - Kailer Yamamoto, and Elias Lindholm (53317121558).jpg
Lindholm and Kailer Yamamoto of the Seattle Kraken battle for the puck in 2023.

The NHL's divisions and format returned to their pre-pandemic norms for the 2021–22 season, the Flames' first full season for returning coach Sutter. It would prove to be one of the most successful regular seasons in team history. With Gaudreau and Tkachuk, Lindholm formed one of the most dominant forward lines in the NHL, and all three members hit numerous personal and collective milestones over the course of the season. Lindholm scored his 40th goal of the season on 23 April 2022, in a 6–3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks, hitting that marker for the first time in his career. [12] [13] Gaudreau and Tkachuk also scored 40 goals, the first time in 28 years that linemates had all achieved this, and only the fourth time in that span that a team had three 40-goal scorers. [14] Lindholm finished the regular season with 42 goals and 40 assists for 82 points, while the Flames won the reconstituted Pacific Division. He was voted a finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the league's best defensive forward. [15]

The Flames drew the Dallas Stars in the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs, a rematch of the bubble playoffs two years prior, and a matchup in which the Flames were considered the favourites. [16] Lindholm immediately distinguished himself by scoring the lone goal in the Flames' 1–0 victory in game 1. [17] The Stars proved a greater challenge than many had anticipated, largely due to an exceptional performance from goaltender Jake Oettinger, but the Flames eventually won the series in game 7. [18] The Flames drew the Edmonton Oilers in the second round, the first playoff "Battle of Alberta" in 31 years. [19] The Oilers defeated the Flames in five games. [20]

Vancouver Canucks (2024)

On 31 January 2024, with the Flames not in contention for a playoff spot, and in the final year of his contract, Lindholm was traded to the Vancouver Canucks in exchange for Andrei Kuzmenko, unsigned prospects Hunter Brzustewicz and Joni Jurmo, and first-round and conditional fourth-round picks in the 2024 NHL entry draft. [21] [22] Immediately upon joining the Canucks, Lindholm became the fifth player in franchise history to score two or more goals in their first game with the team. He also tied the franchise record for most game-winning goals recorded by a player through his first six games with the team. [23]

Boston Bruins (2024–present)

Leaving the Canucks as a free agent at the conclusion of his contract, Lindholm signed a seven-year, $54.25 million deal with the Boston Bruins on 1 July 2024. [24]

Lindholm had high expectations entering the 2024–25 season, and was widely seen as the Bruins' first-line center. Although he scored two goals and three assists in his first three games with the team, Lindholm started to struggle soon afterwards. He did not score a goal in 18 straight games afterwards, and managed only four assists during that time period. Lindholm was not alone, as the entire Bruins team was struggling offensively during this period, and not living up to expectations. [25] Lindholm was named to Sweden's roster for the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, where he went scoreless in three games. After the break, Lindholm returned to the Bruins with playoff intentions, but these hopes were dashed quickly. Lindholm and the Bruins would lose six of the next seven, and then win the next two before going on a ten-game losing streak, all-but-assuring that they would miss the playoffs, barring a miracle. Despite team's struggles, Lindholm went on a solid run to finish off the season, scoring four goals and five assists in the last eight games of the season.[ citation needed ]

International play

Medal record
Men's ice hockey
Representing Flag of Sweden.svg  Sweden
World Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2017 Germany/France
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg 2025 Sweden/Denmark
World Junior Championships
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2013 Russia
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2014 Sweden
IIHF World U18 Championships
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2012 Czech Republic
Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 2011 Slovakia/Czech Republic

Lindholm represents Sweden on the international stage, and has done so on many occasions with great success.

Lindholm has played for the Sweden on the junior level on four occasions, earning a silver medal each time. These silver medals were achieved at the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament, 2012 World U18 Championships, and the World Junior Championships in 2013 and 2014. He served as an assistant captain for the team in 2012 and 2014.

At the senior level, Lindholm has played for Sweden in the World Championships in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2025. He won a gold medal with the team in 2017, and in 2025, led the tournament in goals with eight, earning a bronze medal. For his efforts in 2025, he was also named to the tournament all-star team. [26]

Lindholm also represented Sweden at the 4 Nations Face-Off, where he was held scoreless in three games.

Personal life

Lindholm was born in Boden, Sweden, but grew up in Gävle. His father, Mikael Lindholm, is a former professional ice hockey player who played in 404 Elitserien games and 18 NHL games with the Los Angeles Kings in 1989–90. Lindholm is a cousin of ice hockey player Calle Järnkrok and the younger brother of ice hockey player Oliver Lindholm. He is not related to Hampus Lindholm. Lindholm started playing ice hockey in Hanover, Germany, at the age of three while his father was playing for the Hannover Scorpions.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

   Regular season   Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGP G A Pts PIM GPGAPtsPIM
2009–10 Brynäs IF J18 43360
2009–10Brynäs IFJ18 Allsv51340
2010–11Brynäs IFJ182210283816
2010–11Brynäs IFJ18 Allsv187162316433629
2010–11Brynäs IF J20 2000020110
2011–12Brynäs IFJ1820330
2011–12Brynäs IFJ18 Allsv2134031230
2011–12Brynäs IFJ203614354945211216
2011–12 Brynäs IF SEL 12000020000
2012–13 Brynäs IFSEL48111930240004
2013–14 Carolina Hurricanes NHL 58912214
2013–14 Charlotte Checkers AHL 61234
2014–15 Carolina HurricanesNHL8117223914
2015–16 Carolina HurricanesNHL8211283924
2016–17 Carolina HurricanesNHL7211344516
2017–18 Carolina HurricanesNHL8116284418
2018–19 Calgary Flames NHL812751782051124
2019–20 Calgary FlamesNHL7029255422102462
2020–21 Calgary FlamesNHL5619284722
2021–22 Calgary FlamesNHL8242408222125496
2022–23 Calgary FlamesNHL8022426414
2023–24 Calgary FlamesNHL499233221
2023–24 Vancouver Canucks NHL26661241355104
2024–25 Boston Bruins NHL8217304714
SHL totals60111930260004
NHL totals9002353696042154013142716

International

Bold indicates led tournament

YearTeamEventResult GPGAPtsPIM
2011 Sweden IH18 Silver medal icon.svg424627
2012 Sweden U18 Silver medal icon.svg42132
2013 Sweden WJC Silver medal icon.svg62244
2014 SwedenWJCSilver medal icon.svg62796
2015 Sweden WC 5th82466
2017 SwedenWCGold medal icon.svg1052710
2019 SwedenWC5th81562
2025 Sweden 4NF 3rd30002
2025 SwedenWCBronze medal icon.svg1086140
Junior totals208142239
Senior totals3916173320

Awards and honours

AwardYearRef
J20 SuperElit
J20 SuperElit Best Forward2012 [27]
SHL
Le Mat Trophy champion 2012
NHL
Viking Award 2019
NHL All-Star Game 2024 [28]
International
World Championship All-Star team 2025 [26]
World Championship Top 3 Player on Team 2025 [27]

References

  1. Sundheim, Mike (30 June 2013). "MikeSundheim: The Full Name of @NHLCanes' First Round Selection?". Twitter. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Hockey's Future – History" . Retrieved 11 November 2014.
  3. "Gerbe's goal lift Hurricanes past Capitals". ESPN. 10 October 2013. Retrieved 10 October 2013.
  4. "Canes forward Elias Lindholm low-key about first NHL career hat trick". The News & Observer. 9 March 2015.
  5. Brown, Michael (23 June 2018). "Canes Acquire Hamilton, Ferland and Fox From Flames". National Hockey League. Retrieved 23 June 2018.
  6. Battaglino, Mike (16 July 2018). "Lindholm signs six-year contract with Flames". National Hockey League. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  7. "2019-20 Player Report Card: Elias Lindholm". Matchsticks & Gasoline. 20 July 2020. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  8. Blackburn, Pete (21 August 2021). "Stanley Cup Playoffs 2020: Five reasons the Flames were eliminated by the Stars". CBS Sports . Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  9. "NHL teams in new divisions for 2020-21 season". NHL.com. 20 December 2020. Retrieved 20 December 2020.
  10. "2021 Report Card: Elias Lindholm". Matchsticks & Gasoline. 23 June 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  11. Krauss, Brett (7 July 2021). "Flames 2020-21 Report Cards: Elias Lindholm". The Hockey Writers. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  12. Vickers, Aaron (23 April 2022). "Canucks lose to Flames, on brink of playoff elimination". NHL.com. Retrieved 11 May 2025.
  13. Salvian, Hailey (25 April 2022). "Inside Elias Lindholm's rise to 40 goals: 'This is not a surprise'". The Athletic . Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  14. Francis, Eric (29 April 2022). "Flames' Gaudreau ensures his line joins exclusive 40-40-40 club". Sportsnet . Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  15. "Barkov, Bergeron, Lindholm named as Selke Trophy finalists". Sportsnet . 17 May 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  16. Luszczyszyn, Dom; Goldman, Shayna (1 May 2022). "2022 NHL playoff preview: Flames vs. Stars". The Athletic . Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  17. "Lindholm scores lone Flames goal in win over Stars in Game 1". Sportsnet . 4 May 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  18. "Johnny Gaudreau's overtime goal lifts Flames to Game 7 win over Stars". The Athletic . 16 May 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  19. Boylen, Rory (16 May 2022). "Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2 Preview: Flames vs. Oilers". Sportsnet . Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  20. "McDavid the OT hero as Oilers eliminate Flames in wild Game 5 to advance to West Final - TSN.ca". 27 May 2022.
  21. "Canucks Acquire Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames". NHL.com. 31 January 2024. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  22. Johnston, Patrick (31 January 2024). "Canucks pick up Elias Lindholm in trade from Calgary Flames". The Province. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
  23. "Game Notes: Canucks vs. Bruins". National Hockey League. 24 February 2024. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
  24. "Bruins announce July 1 transactions". NHL.com. 1 July 2024. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  25. Ventura, Ryan (1 December 2024). "Bruins' Offensive Struggles Becoming Major Issue - The Hockey Writers Boston Bruins Latest News, Analysis & More". The Hockey Writers. Retrieved 17 April 2025.
  26. 1 2 Pakarinen, Risto (25 May 2025). "Genoni gets MVP nod". iihf.com.
  27. 1 2 "Elias Lindholm - Stats, Contract, Salary & More". www.eliteprospects.com. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
  28. "Lindholm Named 2024 NHL All-Star". NHL.com. 4 January 2024. Retrieved 1 February 2024.
Awards and achievements
Preceded by Carolina Hurricanes first round draft pick
2013
Succeeded by
Preceded by Viking Award
2019
Succeeded by
Incumbent