The Anaheim DucksTraded defensemen on Saturday and pulled off a huge win Hampus LindholmKodie Curran to Boston as a defenseman Urho Vaakanainen, defenseman John MooreThe 2022 first-round draft choice, the 2023 second round draft pick and the 2024 second-round selection were all drafted by the Ducks. The Ducks also retained 50 percent of Lindholm’s salary.
Lindholm is a pending, unrestricted-free agent. This is a huge return. Let’s take a look at the GMs responsible for making this one possible:
GM Pat VerbeekAnaheim knew Lindholm wasn’t coming back to Anaheim this summer. And the Ducks have been steadily sliding out of the playoff pictureLindholm becomes more expendable immediately.
Lindholm has been an important driver in the Ducks’ defense in the past. His impact on the Ducks’ defense has diminished over recent years, but that is due to a squad that’s been rebuilding and has had its ups and downs. Anaheim has young defenders like Jamie DrysdaleTo look towards the future. It’s better to leverage Lindholm right now. Verbeek did exactly that.
A team that is looking to move forward in its future can benefit from a pair or two of first-rounders and a pick in the second round. Drysdale is not the only rising star in the Ducks’ roster. Trevor Zegras, Troy TerryAnd Sam SteelAnaheim’s long term prospects will be improved by stocking up on high-quality draft choices.
Vaakanainen is Boston’s 18th overall choice in 2017. While he isn’t quite catching on yet in NHL (having played in 31 games), defenders can take a while to get going, and the Ducks should be in a position to offer him an opportunity.
For a while, we may not be able to see the full impact of the Lindholm trade. That is until the players and picks become contributors. It looks like Verbeek made a trade that will lead to significant success for his team at this point.
This can be resolved now: Lindholm and Bruins are currently discussing a long-term extension. This would make the trade more attractive from Boston’s perspective.
Let’s not forget to pass judgement on that now!
Although the trade will not have an immediate impact on Anaheim, Lindholm’s presence should.
The Bruins have an already established No. 1 guy Charlie McAvoyComplementary top-four pieces Mike ReillyAnd Matt Grzelcyk. Lindholm will likely support what is already there.
At 6’4″, he is a strong player and can play long hours (averaging 22 minutes per game during his career). Lindholm could see his game returning to its pre-stinkering state by being on a contending team.
Boston was able to sell Moore’s final season (with one remaining season at $2.75m) as part of a deal to create all-important cap room. If all goes according to plan, Lindholm will be a top four fixture on a playoff-bound squad.
Boston did give up a lot in exchange for Lindholm. It’s still a win if he signs for the long-term. However, there are many unforeseeable futures and the Bruins could be back in their place if this trade does not pay off the way they want.
On the other side, Patrice Bergeron(at 36) Brad MarchandAt 33, they aren’t getting any older. If GM Don SweeneyDid he not extend his hand and accept the chips? Would that be a greater regret? Time will tell.