Wed, Jan 31, 2024 at 8:29pm

CANUCKS LAND LINDHOLM!

The Vancouver Canucks acquired center Elias Lindholm from the Calgary Flames for winger Andrei Kuzmenko, defensemen Hunter Brzustewicz and Joni Jurmo, a first-round draft pick in 2024 and a conditional fourth-round draft pick in 2024.

What does it give the Vancouver Canucks
In Lindholm, the Canucks add a coveted two-way center who should play a key role among their top-six forwards. They paid up to acquire the 29-year-old Swede, who is on an expiring contract, but they were able to shed the full cap hit of Andrei Kuzmenko and still retain their best prospects. Lindholm should see plenty of time on the power play and penalty kill, and his arrival positions Vancouver well for a deep playoff run.

What does it give the Calgary Flames
Losing Lindholm hurts Calgary in the short run, but in return the Flames get a nice haul highlighted by a first-round pick in this year's draft. Kuzmenko will get a chance to bounce back in Calgary, after struggling this season, while Brzustewicz and Jurmo improve their prospect group on defense. For the Flames, this trade looks to the future while still giving them a chance to compete for a wild card berth this season.

Fantasy impact
Lindholm's scoring totals should only improve in Vancouver, especially if he joins their lethal top power-play unit. As well, keep an eye on Kuzmenko in Calgary. He should get every opportunity to prove he is still the player who put up 74 points as a rookie last season. In keeper leagues, Brzustewicz could be worth monitoring. His stock is rising quickly as a top scorer in the OHL this season. Jurmo offers no fantasy value.