
Breaking News: Bruins Caught In A Big Mess Following Elias Lindholm’s Deal
BOSTON, MA — The Boston Bruins find themselves embroiled in controversy just months after signing Elias Lindholm to a blockbuster seven-year, $54.25 million contract in July 2024. What was heralded as a cornerstone move to bolster the team’s center depth has quickly unraveled into a public relations and performance nightmare, leaving fans and analysts questioning the franchise’s direction as the 2024-25 season stumbles forward.
Lindholm, acquired to replace the retired Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, was expected to be a point-per-game force, leveraging his 2021-22 career-high 42-goal season with the Calgary Flames. Instead, the 30-year-old Swede has struggled mightily, managing just nine goals and 13 assists in 58 games as of February 24, 2025. His lack of five-on-five production—zero points in his last 13 games at even strength—has relegated him to third-line duties, a far cry from the top-line role envisioned by GM Don Sweeney. Critics argue the $7.75 million annual cap hit is a gross overpayment for a player who’s failed to adapt to Boston’s system.
The mess deepened with reports of locker-room tension. Rumors swirling on social media suggest friction between Lindholm and stars like Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak, though both players publicly denied any rift in late January. Still, the team’s dismal 27-24-7 record—clinging to a wild-card spot with a 15.4% playoff chance per MoneyPuck—has fueled speculation that the high-profile signing has disrupted team chemistry. Adding insult to injury, the Bruins’ offseason spending spree, including Nikita Zadorov’s $5 million deal, left little cap room to retain Jake DeBrusk or address