Major Development In Lindholm Talks

Will he or won’t he stay in Calgary long term? That’s been the ongoing question with Calgary Flames star Elias Lindholm this summer. Today came the most positive news yet for Alberta fans.

According to Flames Insider and talk radio host Pat Steinberg, Lindholm said at a golf tournament on Wednesday “I’ve been pretty clear I’m willing to stay,” and GM Craig Conroy confirmed that talks with the 10-year veteran are moving “in a good direction” and they are continuing to work at an extension.

Lindholm scored 22 goals and had 64 points while averaging 18:39 of ice time last season, numbers that were all down from his 42 goal, 82 point season the year before. But he’s a proven team leader in Calgary, a crucial part of the Flames moving forward, and the likeliest candidate to take over as captain if a deal gets done.

Conroy would like to get pen to paper sooner than later, as Lindholm is entering the final year of his contract and is eligible for unrestricted free agency next summer if he’s without a new contract in Calgary.

Sounds like progress is being made, which is a far cry from the beginning of this month when reports said there had been little done on the Lindholm front.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on this in the days to come.