On the eve of the 2024 NHL All-Star Game, the Calgary Flames have traded their All-Star representative Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks for Andrei Kuzmenko, prospect Hunter Brzustewicz, Joni Jurmo, a first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, and a conditional fourth-rounder in the 2024 NHL Draft.
This is the second time this season that Craig Conroy has struck a deal with the Canucks on a player that is a pending unrestricted free agent by year’s end.
The return for Lindholm
In a monster deal, the Flames were able to acquire two draft picks and three players for a pending UFA—with no deal in place for an extension.
Kuzmenko currently has eight goals and 13 assists this season, after a monster rookie season last year. His production has dropped under Rick Tocchet but could thrive in a new situation.
Brzustewicz is a right-shot defenceman drafted in the third round of the 2023 NHL draft. He currently leads the OHL in points by defensemen with 69 in 47 games.
Jurmo is a 21-year-old who was also taken in the third round but in the 2020 NHL draft. He is currently playing in the SM-Liiga and has four points in 35 games.
Lindholm was to be the Flames lone representative at the 2024 NHL All-Star game, but that has obviously changed with this trade. Lindholm as a Flame since the 2018–19 season racked up 148 goals and 357 points and was nominated for the Selke Trophy in the 2021–22 season. He and the Flames were not able to come to an agreement on a contract this summer, hence why he was moved.
He was a great Flame and we wish him nothing but the best in Vancouver!
