The Bruins bolstered their blue line Saturday after they acquired Hampus Lindholm from the Anaheim Geese.
Boston despatched three draft picks, together with this yr’s first-round one, whereas additionally giving up John Moore and Urho Vaakanainen. Anaheim is retaining 50% of Lindholm’s wage whereas taking all of Moore’s contract.
The Bruins’ top-four protection pairings now will embody Matt Grzelcyk, Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo and Lindholm. That’s… fairly stable, particularly for a crew that has struggled with protection within the playoffs the previous couple of seasons.
Whereas the protection has been advantageous this season, that’s all it’s been. Final-minute objectives turned an issue for the B’s and Derek Forbort wasn’t precisely the shutdown defenseman Boston anticipated him to be. However the addition of Lindholm provides the Black and Gold two robust, authentic pairings and is surely a win for either side.
At first look, giving up three draft picks (2022 first spherical, 2023 second-round, 2024 second-round) that can eradicate the Bruins from having a big decide and two gamers for a rental appeared hefty. However experiences surfaced after the commerce turned official that the Bruins have been engaged on an extension that can maintain Lindholm in Boston for eight years.
The time period could look like rather a lot for somebody who turned 28 in January and might be 36 by the tip of the deal. It carries threat, positive, simply as any long-term contract does, however Lindholm will present a welcome presence in various areas for various years.
Lindholm additionally addresses an space the Bruins desperately wanted: a big-body defenseman that may eat minutes, use his measurement and play on the left facet. The 28-year-old gives versatility and makes his presence identified on the ice by being a superb puck mover and all the time will battle for the puck. It’s additionally value noting he ranks within the prime 25 for blocked passes.
