On July 1, the Bruins addressed their need for a center by signing Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million deal.
Despite his role as the projected top-line center, the contract has drawn criticism for being excessively large.
Jacob Punturi of Sports Illustrated highlights this contract as an example of overpaying to fill a need.
He notes that the Bruins had previously attempted to trade for Lindholm but were unsuccessful, leading them to sign him to a substantial extension just months later.
Punturi argues that this deal is a significant commitment for a player with only two seasons of 70 points or more over his 11-season NHL career, describing Lindholm as historically a 50-point player.
He suggests the Bruins are paying Lindholm as if he were Patrice Bergeron, a comparison that emphasizes the perceived overvaluation.
Lindholm’s performance last season was split between the Calgary Flames and the Vancouver Canucks, where he recorded 15 goals and 29 assists for a total of 44 points in 75 games.
His career-high in points is 82. Lindholm struggled initially with the Canucks but improved over time.
The Bruins are hopeful he can return to his form from his time with the Flames, particularly in his new, expanded role in Boston.
Critics of the deal are concerned that the Bruins’ investment in Lindholm may not yield the desired results given his inconsistent scoring history.
While Lindholm has shown flashes of high performance, his overall track record raises questions about the value of his contract.
The Bruins’ decision to sign him at such a high price reflects their urgent need for a top center but also underscores the risks associated with such a significant financial commitment.
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