Craig Conroy made a big move on Thursday when he traded Elias Lindholm to the division-rival Vancouver Canucks. Lindholm was one of the Calgary Flames’ most important pieces on the roster and was looked at to provide offence as well as a solid defensive game. Lindholm was one of the top trade candidates in the NHL this year, and Conroy’s decision to move him has shown that the Flames are looking to retool their roster. When a player of Lindholm’s stature is traded, it’s no secret that fans will have something to say about it. So how would you grade the Lindholm trade? We asked, you answered.
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Lindholm trade grades
We presented the below poll to our readers.
“A” Grade
An overwhelming majority of readers would give full marks to Conroy for this trade. The general consensus for the price to acquire Lindholm was a first-round pick, a promising prospect, and a roster player. Conroy got that, and so much more through acquiring Vancouver’s 2024 first-round pick, Andrei Kuzmenko, Hunter Brzustewicz, Joni Jurmo, and a conditional fourth-round pick.
Although the Flames weren’t able to acquire one of the top young players in Vancouvers system like Tom Willander or Nils Hoglander, Hunter Brzustewicz is still a very exciting prospect who is currently tied for 3rd in the OHL scoring race as a defenceman. Let’s also not forget that Kuzmenko put up 74 points in 81 games last year in the NHL (albeit with an unsustainably high shooting percentage).
On top of the monster haul, the trade didn’t even come with an extension for Lindholm (yet). The fact that Conroy managed to get more of a return than the Canucks did for an extended Horvat is very impressive, and it seems like most fans agree.
“B” Grade
Those who selected a B grade were likely hoping to acquire one of Nils Hoglander or Tom Willander. It was heavily rumoured that the Flames were insisting on Hoglander as a return from the Cancucks, but it was clear that Vancouver wasn’t going to part with him. However, don’t sleep on Hunter Brzustewicz.
He has currently put up 69 points in 48 games as a 19-year-old in the OHL and adds much more strength to the Flames defensive prospect pool, which outside of Jeremie Poirier, isn’t strong at all. Hunter will be eligible to join the Wranglers for the 2024–25 season. Jeff Marek has mentioned that Hunter Brzustewicz has been called “the Adam Fox of the OHL”, and per Byron Bader’s model, Jeff Marek may not be too far off.
“C” and “D” Grades
Barely anybody gave Conroy a C or D grade, so we can just move past these responses. Conroy executed a great trade, and although Lindholm may have been some fans’ favourite player, this should benefit the Flames organization for the long term.
Eyes shift to the remaining pending UFAs
What comes next with Noah Hanifin and Chris Tanev? Does anyone else get traded? It’s clear that this team has no untouchables, and Conroy has shown he isn’t afraid to make the big decisions. The next coming weeks and the NHL trade deadline will be something Flames fans want to keep a very close eye on.
Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire
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