Report: Bruins, Hampus Lindholm close to finalizing massive extension
UPDATE (Sunday, March 20): The Bruins officially announced a long-term extension for Lindholm. Click here to read more about the deal.
It doesn’t sound like the Boston Bruins are going to wait and see with newly-acquired defenseman Hampus Lindholm.
In fact, the 28-year-old Lindholm could very well have a new eight-year extension with the Bruins before even playing a game, according to the latest reports regarding the team’s newest addition.
With the sides off to a strong start on their extension talks, the latest word from TSN insider Chris Johnston is that it’s believed that the Bruins and Lindholm will ultimately land on an eight-year deal with a $6.5 million average annual value.
Expect Hampus Lindholm's eight-year extension with the #bruins to come in with an AAV around $6.5M.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) March 20, 2022
Acquired from Anaheim for a five-piece return that included a 2022 first-round pick, second-round selections in 2023 and 2024, and defensemen John Moore and Urho Vaakanainen, the Bruins’ desire to get an extension done and leave absolutely nothing chance with the 6-foot-4 defenseman only makes sense.
Lindholm, in case you’re wondering, is represented by former B’s villain Claude Lemieux.
If Lindholm indeed checks in at or around $6.5 million per year, it will slot him right between Brandon Carlo’s $4.1 million cap hit through 2026-27 and Charlie McAvoy’s $9.5 million that kicks in next season as Boston’s second-highest paid defender.
The 6-foot-4, 216-pound Lindholm comes to the Bruins in the midst of a season that’s included five goals and 22 points, along with 55 hits and 77 blocked shots, in 61 games for the Ducks.
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Ty Anderson is a writer and columnist for 985TheSportsHub.com. He has been covering the Bruins since 2010, and has been a member of the Boston chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association since 2013. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Yell at him on Twitter: @_TyAnderson.
