Why Adjusting Elias Lindholm's Role Could Benefit the Bruins
Boston Bruins center Elias Lindholm during a game against the Seattle Kraken on Jan. 6, 2026. (Photo: Jenn G.)
Written By Gina Anton
When the Boston Bruins signed Elias Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million contract in the summer of 2024, the expectation was clear: he would help replace the offensive production the team had lost down the middle and become a dependable first-line center.
Two seasons later, that vision hasn't materialized.
Lindholm finished the 2025-26 campaign with 17 goals and 31 assists for 48 points in 69 games. While those numbers represented a slight improvement in points-per-game over his first season in Boston, they still fell well short of what teams typically expect from a player leading their top line. Meanwhile, his linemates thrived. David Pastrňák once again reached the 100-point mark with 29 goals and 71 assists, while Morgan Geekie enjoyed a career year with 39 goals and 68 points.
That contrast doesn't necessarily mean Lindholm is the problem. Instead, it raises a different question: is he being asked to fill a role that no longer matches the player he is?
At 31 years old, Lindholm remains one of Boston's most dependable defensive forwards. His faceoff ability, responsible play away from the puck, and hockey IQ continue to make him a valuable contributor. But he's no longer the dynamic offensive catalyst who posted 82 points during his career-best season with Calgary in 2021-22.
That's why the Bruins should consider moving him into a second line role.
Some fans point to his $7.75 million average annual value as proof he must remain on the top line. However, that contract isn't nearly as burdensome as it first appears. With the salary cap climbing, Lindholm's cap hit ranks just 36th among NHL centers, putting him much closer to second-line market value than elite first-line territory.
Changing his role wouldn't be an admission that the signing failed. It would simply recognize what Lindholm does best at this stage of his career.
A reduced workload could also benefit him physically. Lindholm has acknowledged dealing with lingering back issues that affected his play throughout last season. Despite appearing in only 69 games, he still averaged more than 18 minutes of ice time per night and represented Sweden at the Milano Cortina Olympics. Asking him to shoulder slightly fewer minutes could help keep him healthier while allowing him to remain effective over the course of an 84-game season.
Boston's offseason additions also create new opportunities. Younger, more offensively gifted forwards like JJ Peterka could be better suited to complement Pastrňák's attacking style, while Lindholm anchors a matchup line that takes difficult defensive assignments.
None of this diminishes what Lindholm brings to the Bruins. He can still be an important piece of a winning team. The difference is that his greatest value may no longer come from trying to produce like an elite first-line scorer.
Sometimes the best move isn't replacing a player, it's putting him in a position where he can succeed. If the Bruins want to maximize their lineup heading into the 2026-27 season, giving Lindholm a role that better fits his strengths could be one of the smartest adjustments they make.
