Report: Hurricanes and Elias Lindholm Still Far Apart on Contract Extension

According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, the Carolina Hurricanes restricted free agent forward Elias Lindholm aren’t currently seeing eye-to-eye on a contract extension.

“Let’s be honest, if they don’t get him signed, I believe the marching orders from owner Tom Dundon are to trade Elias Lindholm,” LeBrun said. “We talked about interest from the Calgary Flames last night. That interest remains. But there are a lot of teams keeping an eye on him. Jeff Skinner is the most likely traded, but Elias Lindholm because he’s 23 and a centre who can play right wing is the one that’s generating the most interest.”

Set to turn 24 in December, Lindholm is embarking upon what is likely to be his first long-term contract this summer.

LeBrun specified, saying that the Canes are currently offering a tick above $4 million dollars as an AAV. Lindholm’s camp is staying firm on their asking price, which is believed to be just north of $5 million.

The Hurricanes have until Monday, June 25, at 5:00 pm to put a qualifying offer on the player. Lindholm does have arbitration rights, as well, but it appears that it won’t get to that point. All signs point to him either being signed to an extension or being traded.

One team involved in these rumors is the Calgary Flames, who are coached by former Canes bench boss Bill Peters.

According to Matt Cane’s contract predictor model, Lindholm is expected to get a five-year, $25 million contract ($5 million AAV) based on his performance and taking into account comparable players and what they received.

The NHL Draft will start tonight at 7:30. The Canes have the second-overall pick and have been involved in a number of trade rumors, so anything can happen.

Stay tuned to CanesCountry.com throughout the afternoon and into this evening.