The Boston Bruins, who have been connected to most of the NHL’s available left-shot defensemen, have found their man, acquiring Hampus Lindholm from the Anaheim Ducks, reports ESPN’s Kevin Weekes. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reports that the Bruins will send a 2022 first-round draft pick, 2023 and 2024 second-round draft picks, defensemen Urho Vaakanainen, and defenseman John Moore (link). Frank Seravalli of The Daily Faceoff adds that the Ducks will retain 50% of Lindholm’s salary as part of the deal. Minor league defenseman Kodie Curran is also heading to Boston in the trade (link).
Lindholm has been one of the most sought-after targets at this year’s trade deadline. The defenseman had not necessarily been available the last few weeks, as the Ducks were trying to negotiate an extension with him. However, when negotiations did not appear to be leading to an extension, the Ducks stepped up their efforts to trade Lindholm, and found a return of their liking today.
In exchange for Lindholm, Anaheim has received a bevy of draft picks, as well as a talented young defenseman and a veteran defenseman. Vaakanainen was the Bruins’ first-round draft pick in 2017, 18th overall, but has seen limited time with the Bruins since making his NHL debut during the 2018-19 season. Moore, on the other hand, is a veteran of 12 NHL seasons, but has been a victim of the Bruins’ depth and salary cap constraints this season, spending time in the AHL, where he had currently been playing. While Moore could certainly help the Ducks, his inclusion in this trade is almost entirely due to the Bruins’ desire to move his $2.75MM cap hit.
As much as Boston gave up to acquire Lindholm, there is added benefit in Anaheim retaining half of Lindholm’s $5.2MM cap hit, which expires after this season, as well as Moore’s $2.75MM cap hit that runs through next season. Further, as Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman notes, the Bruins and Lindholm are working on an extension, which could make Lindholm more than just a rental for Boston (link).
Last but certainly not least, the Bruins managed to acquire a true top-pairing defenseman to bolster their lineup and potentially pair with star defenseman Charlie McAvoy. Adding Lindholm could certainly be a game-changer in a tight Eastern Conference race. As of this writing, Boston holds the first Wild Card position in the Eastern Conference, just one point ahead of the Washington Capitals who are in the second Wild Card spot, but only two points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs and three points behind the Tampa Bay Lightning for third and second place respectively in the Atlantic Division.
WOW!!!!
Swing for the fences Donny
Will this help is he tough need to get bigger.??
Weekes breaking the story while getting a haircut is a bonus I wasn’t expecting!
for?
1st this year 2nd 23 and 24. Vakeninen, John Moore, ANA retains half salary.
holy freakin barf
If there is an extension involved, this is a great trade for both teams.
If this is a rental, wow. Nice work by Verbeek either way.
Not having to give up either of Lysell or Lohrei is a huge win for the B’s!
I like Urho but he had clearly been passed in the system. If the B’s can extend Lindholm then it’s a very good trade for them otherwise it looks like a lot to give up for a rental.
Hopefully they don’t resign him to 9MM AAV… Vaakanainen, a 1st AND 2 2nds is a lot to give up for a team that’s already low on farmhand talent.
If the Bruins don’t win a cup this year or next then 2024 and beyond are gonna be even more rough.
That’s a lot for a rental. Good job by Anaheim
Ducks continue to rob Sweeney blind. Ritchie, Kase trades were horrible, now this over pay. If Curran was 22 instead of 32 it might not be so bad. Sweeney hates draft picks because he sucks so bad at drafting!!!
The Bruins window of opportunity closing, so why not try to maximize your Cup chances while you can? Not sure if this is the trade I would’ve made, but we shall see……
What a haul for the Ducks.
Jesus Christ, a first AND two seconds AND Vaakanainen for a RENTAL??? This is bloody Rick Nash, Jaromir Jagr and Tomas Kaberle all over again. That’s the package you deal for a top pairing guy who gets Norris votes. (Heck, they wouldn’t have expected to pay much more for Klingberg.)
And giving a premium so the Ducks retained salary? Boston didn’t NEED for them to retain salary; they’re one of the contenders that have ample deadline cap space.
I have to imagine they had some groundwork done for an extension. Him and Chuck will be a good top-line for a few years, but I agree that’s it an overpay. Especially considering it affects the next 3 drafts.
I am loving Versteek as our new GM. The future is looking brighter with each transaction this guy pulls off. Thanks Boston! Though Lindholm is a solid defense man with good character and will be missed in Anaheim.