The Calgary Flames continue their homestand tonight as they host the Boston Bruins. Flames fans will also eagerly anticipate the return of two former Flames to Calgary.
Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov signed with the Bruins in July and will face their former teams for the second time this season. Zadorov already made his return last season but for Lindholm, it’s the first time he’ll be at the Saddledome since he was traded to the Vancouver Canucks last February. His time as a Flame was quite strong and he’s sure to get a nice tribute. Puck drop is at 7PM Mountain Time.
Both players had career years in Calgary
Both Zadorov and Lindholm weren’t a part of Craig Conroy’s plans last season, as they were eventually shipped off as a part of Calgary’s huge sell-off. However, their time as Flames shouldn’t be ignored, as both players had some of the best seasons of their careers during their time in Cowtown.
Lindholm truly blossomed into a solid two-way center during his time with the Flames. While his numbers tailed off towards the end of his tenure, his career year during the 2021-22 season, where he put up 42 goals and 82 points was the best he ever looked. That line of Johnny Gaudreau, Lindholm and Matthew Tkachuk was truly special and at one point was even considered the best line in hockey.
Zadorov’s tenure in Calgary was filled with ups and downs, but his impact was major. He provided a great physical presence on the blueline and at times emerged as a leader for the team. Zadorov’s time as a Flame ended kind of messy though, as he requested a trade through his agent which went public moments after he did so. Still, his time in Calgary was productive and he fulfilled his role on the team quite well.
Flames dodged a bullet by not extending these two players
On the flip side, the Bruins signing Lindholm and Zadorov hasn’t exactly worked out. Both players were signed to hefty contracts and it’s safe to say that they have the potential to age quite poorly.
Lindholm’s performance especially has been a surprise. This season, Lindholm only has 3 goals and 14 points in 32 games. He’s on pace for 36 points, and he’s in year one of a seven-year deal that pays him $7.75 million per season. That’s just brutal.
For Zadorov’s case, it’s not much better. He was signed to a six-year deal paying him $5 million per season. That was a rich contract to begin with, and it doesn’t help how in 32 games he only has 8 points. While Zadorov isn’t the biggest point producer, paying him the amount of money he’s getting is simply unjustifiable in my opinion.
It just shows how the Flames were better off trading these two players rather than signing them long-term. Instead, they have future assets and don’t have to worry about more big contracts being on the books. It’s a relief for many Flames fans that things turned out this way, as the Bruins may now regret making those free-agency moves.
