Why the Edmonton Oilers Should Be Happy They Didn't Land Elias Lindholm

The Edmonton Oilers are looking like the team many predicted they would be before the season started, effectively landing themselves back in a competitive spot in the standings and emerging as a potential Stanley Cup candidate this year after a terrible start.

Now, with the trade deadline approaching, it's obvious that the Oilers will look to be buyers. They likely are looking to add some depth to their lineup, and potentially on the blueline. One of the names that kept popping up for a potential trade to the Oilers was Elias Lindholm, however, they couldn't land him, as he was traded last night to the Canucks with a heavy price tag.

Many are already speculating that Calgary won this trade, as they were able to squeeze the Canucks for Andrei Kuzmenko, a 39-goal scorer last season, and other prospects as well as a first-rounder for Lindholm, who has just 32 points in 49 games this season, and only 9 goals.

Last year, Lindholm had 22 goals and 42 assists, which is a great year all things considered, however, the price Vancouver paid was a bit higher than that for a player who may not even be there when the season is over. The Oilers will be able to use the assets they currently have to find a cheaper option for similar production.

As seen on The Hockey Writers - "Oilers Were Smart to Avoid Elias Lindholm Trade With Flames"