The Latest On Lindholm Extension Talks In Calgary

Calgary Flames fans, take heart. As the Elias Lindholm situation continues to drag out, at least one very plugged-in hockey insider is hearing positive things about negotiations on a new deal.

According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff:

I think it's a better than 50% shot, actually significantly better, that the Flames have Elias Lindholm locked up by Opening Night. They're trying hard to get that done.

The 28-year-old first-line Flames center is entering the final season of his six-year, reasonably-priced $4.85M cap hit deal, and it's been a bit of a rollercoaster ride this offseason whether he'll be re-upping or going into this season as a pending UFA. 

The latest, per Seravalli, is that things are looking up, and a signing could be imminent. It's felt that the recent Mikael Backlund extension brought some positive momentum to the Flames overall situation. And although "nothing is going to change" in Noah Hanifin's desire to extrapolate himself from Calgary, it does appear that Lindholm is getting closer to staying.

Flames beat writer Eric Francis adds, "He's interested in staying if the price is right, and it sounds like there is a real possibility that it'll happen soon."

Will the AAV number start with an 8 or a 9 (or more??), might be the biggest question. 

Lindholm recorded 64 points last season with 22 goals, after a 42-goal, 82-point season in 2021-22. 

Photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports