Head coach Rick Tocchet of the Vancouver Canucks
Canucks and Lindholm Facing Potential Split Over Contract Talks
The Vancouver Canucks and Elias Lindholm, a pending unrestricted free agent, might be headed for a swift parting after joining forces just before the March 2024 trade deadline.
According to Elliotte Friedman on the June 7 episode of the “32 Thoughts” podcast, the Canucks have set a maximum offer for Lindholm that may not meet his expectations. Friedman believes the Canucks are willing to offer a seven-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $7 million.
“I think the Canucks are prepared to offer Lindholm a seven-times-seven deal (seven years at $7 million AAV). However, I’m not sure if it will be enough. The Canucks want this player badly,” Friedman noted.
Friedman recounted a conversation where someone questioned the logic of such a deal, given the existing contracts of Elias Pettersson at $11.6 million and J.T. Miller at $8 million. The skeptic asked, “Do you need your third-line center making $7 million?” To which Friedman responded, “I called it loser’s thinking.”
Lindholm’s Demands Could Exceed $49 Million
If Friedman’s insights are accurate and the Canucks are capping their offer at $49 million total, they might struggle to retain Lindholm. His market value could reach $9 million annually, potentially totaling $63 million over seven years, as Friedman suggested in his October 4, 2023, “32 Thoughts” column.
“Mikael Backlund’s extension is encouraging, and others are rethinking their futures positively,” Friedman wrote. “But I sense Lindholm’s number might be higher than initially thought—in the $9-million range.”
The Flames traded Lindholm to the Canucks on January 31 for Andrei Kuzmenko, Hunter Brzustewicz, Joni Jurmo, a 2024 first-round pick, and a conditional fourth-round selection.
Zadorov’s Negotiations Ongoing
Nikita Zadorov’s contract talks with the Canucks are also unfolding. Friedman reported on the same June 7 podcast that Zadorov might take slightly below market value to stay with Vancouver.
“I think Zadorov is willing to give them a bit of a break. They have to get there,” Friedman explained. “Vancouver is trying to make the best deal they can. If Zadorov reaches the open market, he’ll be pleased with what’s available. The Canucks need to meet his number.”
Zadorov finished his contract this year with 20 points in 75 regular-season games and added 8 points in the 2024 postseason.
Ian Cole Likely to Test Free Agency
Defenseman Ian Cole is expected to enter free agency on July 1. Rick Dhaliwal reported on June 5 that Cole will likely test the market.
Cole, who provided depth in Vancouver’s bottom four, averaged 18:41 minutes per game through 78 regular-season appearances. Evolving Hockey projects Cole to land a one-year, $2.5 million deal in free agency.
Vancouver Canucks’ Offseason Challenges
The Canucks face significant challenges heading into free agency with several key players needing new contracts. CapFriendly projects Vancouver to have $23.7 million in cap space but only 15 of 23 players under contract for the active roster.
In addition to Lindholm and Zadorov, the Canucks have several other pending unrestricted and restricted free agents, including notable names like Tyler Myers and Filip Hronek.
