The Flames will have to do better if they want

The Flames will have to do better if they want to keep Elias Lindholm

Elias Lindholm will take the time to think about his future. The Swede could be one of the most sought-after skaters on the market when he hits free agency next summer.

Half of the Calgary Flames’ players have been involved in all sorts of rumors in recent months, with many observers attributing this instability to the presence of Darryl Sutter behind the bench. Now that he has been let go, we need to see if there has been a real culture change within the organization.

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Many believe Lindholm will be the No. 1 center for the Boston Bruins, and there will be no shortage of options like that.

“I still have one year left, but if things don’t go as planned, I’ll become a free agent. There’s nothing strange about that. We’ll see what happens,” the 28-year-old athlete told Swedish media sverige.se on Friday.

That opened the door for him to stay in Calgary, where he has lived for five years. Although his team struggled last year, Lindholm finished second with 64 points in 80 games.

“I am ready to stay. My agent and the team will handle the negotiations. “There are some things we need to agree on, but I told them I could think about staying,” he assured.

With a salary of $4.85 million in 2023-2024, the former Carolina Hurricanes are a steal right now. His career best came two years ago with 82 points, including 42 goals, and an impressive +61 rating.