The Boston Bruins had high expectations when they landed Elias Lindholm in free agency last July, locking him into a seven-year, $54.25 million contract to anchor their top line. But Lindholm’s first season in black and gold didn’t go according to plan—something the 30-year-old isn’t hiding from.
His debut campaign with Boston wrapped with 17 goals and 30 assists, numbers that fell short of top-line production and left fans wanting more. Much of the early inconsistency stemmed from a lingering issue Lindholm only recently opened up about.
“I was kind of chasing it and it was snowballing from there. It was not great”
Lindholm said this week.
I felt like I was behind for a long time he added, referencing a back injury that disrupted his ramp-up to the season. Lindholm missed nine days of training camp and part of the preseason because of the issue, and it showed.
Expected to step in as Boston’s No. 1 center, Lindholm instead struggled to find a rhythm early and often looked more like a bottom-six forward. The chemistry with David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie—a trio the Bruins hoped would click—took months to develop.
But Lindholm’s tone turned more optimistic when he spoke about how things ended. His final 15 games saw a noticeable uptick: six goals, seven assists, and a 58% win rate in the faceoff circle.
It’s a stretch he’s clinging to as motivation heading into 2025-26.
When you sign a big contract, you want to perform.
Lindholm said.
There’s been a lot of successful years here and obviously this year (was) not as successful. So, you kind of put a lot of blame on yourself when you’re here to improve the team and it went the other way he added, owning the weight of expectations that came with his deal.
Despite the slow start, the late surge hints at what Lindholm could bring if fully healthy next season. He’s determined to be part of the solution as the Bruins regroup and chase a return to playoff contention.
It’s something I want to build off going into 2025-26 Lindholm said, leaving no doubt about his focus.
Boston brought Lindholm in to stabilize the middle and drive offensive production—and after a challenging first year, he’s ready to deliver on that promise.
Bruins after dark 