It really did not seem like Lindholm would extend in Calgary this off-season. Then, once Sutter was fired and a new GM came in, talks began to heat up. It appears it will take #1 centre money to keep Lindholm in Calgary.
In the latest 32 Thoughts column from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, one of the top insiders in hockey, he claims it will be in the $9 million range. That probably means between $8.5 million and $9.5 million, give or take an extra $250,000 on the high end.
Elias Lindholm is Calgary's #1 centre, and he has played like one too. It makes the most sense for his camp to want such a high salary, especially with the cap rising.
Last season, Lindholm had just 22 goals and 64 points in a season that saw many Flames hit career lows in points. A happy season, with renewed enthusiasm from all members of the team, should see Lindholm get closer to his 2021-22 season of 42 goals and 82 points.