Elias Lindholm’s time in Vancouver has not been easy.
In 15 games, the 29-year-old Swede has only managed two assists and four goals. He was acquired from Calgary on January 31 for a package that also includes a third-round pick, a first-round pick, prospect Hunter Brzustewicz, Joni Jurmo, and Andrei Kuzmenko as a cap dump. He was relegated from the No. 1 power-play unit and has been bouncing around the Canucks’ top three lines, playing center now after starting as a wing. His name even reappeared in trade rumors this week. Although Lindholm has played responsible defensive hockey and been an excellent faceoff player (58.2 percent), he is the first to acknowledge that he has to improve.
“I firmly believe that I can perform better. After her morning skate in Las Vegas on Thursday, Lindholm told The Athletic, “I need to play better.” “I’m hoping I can start improving and turn the corner after a few games.”
Lindholm was given a chance under Elias Pettersson’s tutelage when he arrived. From the slot, Lindholm is a good finisher, and Pettersson’s exceptional playmaking ability seemed to be a perfect combination on paper. Tocchet, however, felt that Lindholm would be better at center than on the wing because that line didn’t work.
According to Lindholm, “playing wing is definitely different.” “There are less (puck) touches for you. The game is more linear, with chip pucks and other such objects. You may have more possession, carry down the middle, and create plays from there as a center. You chip pucks a lot, forecheck far more often, and so forth as a winger.
“Maybe I was overthinking it as a winger, but I like to be responsible and stay above the puck.”
Vancouver’s third line has been centered by Lindholm lately. Although the Canucks did not pay a premium for a 3C upgrade, he has done a respectable job there.
When asked where he would like to improve, he responded with a dry chuckle, “Maybe get a couple shots on net would be nice.” “I have more puck shots to make. I’m currently playing with Conor Garland, so maybe we can continue developing, establish a solid rapport, and add a few goals together.
For Lindholm, both on and off the ice, it has been a tornado of upheaval. While returning from a trip to Mexico during the All-Star break, he was traded. After that, he had to head straight to Toronto for the weekend’s All-Star Game festivities before heading to Raleigh to quickly join the Canucks on the road. Due to his busy road itinerary in February, Lindholm hasn’t had much opportunity to practice and was staying in a hotel when the team was in Vancouver until recently.
That was difficult for Lindholm because she was separated from her family for about a month, she admitted. But now that we’ve moved into a property and settled down, my family is also in the same town. Returning to Vancouver to meet my family and settle in a bit more will be pleasant.
Lindholm also mentioned how Vancouver’s system differs from Calgary’s.
He remarked, “I think we’re more free here. We work hard, finish hits, and make plays.” “It was truly ‘Follow the system’ in Calgary. Although I believe there are greater freedoms here, there have been certain adjustments that I have to get used to. However, after playing fifteen rounds, I’m starting to feel at ease.
Lindholm’s adjustment has been further complicated by suggestions that the club has contemplated moving him to another location. It should be a comfort to know that the trade deadline on Friday has passed.
Yes, a few more hours and it will be done, Lindholm replied. “Here I am, and we shall see.”
Regarding the Lindholm reports, head coach Rick Tocchet continued, “I spoke to him and he’s a veteran, he understands.” “You know, all it takes for a rumor to gain traction is for one person to spread it?
“I believe that today’s boys are aware that there will be a lot of talking and that you just have to accept it. However, it’s crucial that you address it with your players as their head coach and attempt to dispel the allegations.
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