Opinion: Boston Bruins Center Is An Expensive Third Liner

Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov skating for the Boston Bruins
Photo via Getty Images

On Monday, Vinny Lettieri and Oliver Wahlstrom were center Elias Lindholm’s linemates as the Boston Bruins defeated the San Jose Sharks 6-3 at TD Garden. Wahlstrom, who was claimed off waivers from the New York Islanders on December 14, was a healthy scratch for the Bruins’ two previous games. Lettieri was just recently promoted from the American Hockey League’s Providence as he makes his second tour of duty with the Bruins organization.

According to Natural Stat Trick, the newly-formed line recorded a 61.11 Corsi For rating in just under 11 minutes of ice time together. Lindholm was demoted to the third line after spending much of the season on the team’s first and second lines, mostly with Brad Marchand on his left wing. The former Vancouver Canuck has been mostly as advertised as a defensive stalwart with good faceoff skills. However, offensively Lindholm has not been able to find the magic touch that made him an 82-point producer during the 2021-22 season with Calgary.

The Bruins needed more when they signed Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million contract on July 1. General Manager Don Sweeney stated that Lindholm had some similarities in his game to Patrice Bergeron. The 30-year-old center began the year with David Pastrnak on the wing, but that tandem could not find their game together. Lindholm’s time on the second line with Marchand has been better at times, but the production still isn’t there consistently.

The Bruins’ greatest need is a playmaking center. 20-year-old Matt Poitras has the skill set to fill some of that void but is still learning the NHL game. Boston is loaded with “centers,” but many of them have the same qualities. Without a true number-one center in free agency in the offseason, the Bruins opted for the next best thing. Unfortunately, it has resulted in a $7.75 million third-line center.

Season 4. Episode 29. The Offseason Begins. Bruins Benders Podcast

 Join the Bruins Benders Podcast as they cover the HOTTEST topics in the Boston Bruins market, along with…- Cam Neely gets defensive over drafting.- Don Sweeney wants a coach who can evolve offensively.- Sweeney says Bruins won't play young and exciting players until they earn their stripes.- Charlie Jacobs won't roll back the ticket increase.& Much More!Bruins Benders Premium Hoodies $55https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieBruins Benders Long Sleeve Tee $40https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Bruins Benders Tee $30https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1For more from us, visit: insidetherink.com/bruins-bendersBoston Bruins Trade Rumors, Boston Bruins News, Boston Bruins, Jeremy Swayman, Joonas Korpisalo, Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo, Nikita Zadorov, Hampus Lindholm, Mason Lohrei, Andrew Peeke, Parker Wotherspoon, Johnny Beecher, Mark Kastelic, Justin Brazeau, Cole Koepke, Trent Frederic, Matthew Poitras, Charlie Coyle, Pavel Zacha, Morgan Geekie, Brad Marchand, David Pastrnak, Elias Lindholm, Oliver Wahlstrom, Fabian Lysell, Georgii Merkulov, Joe Sacco, Don Sweeney, Cam Neely, Brandon Carlo Trade#nhl #nhlbruins #hockey #bostonbruins #nhlplayoffs #bruins #nhlhockey #nhlmemes #boston #nhlallstar #nhldiscussion #nhlnews #nhledits #nhldraft #bruinsnation #nhlawards #nhltrade #hockeylife #tdgarden #nhlhighlights #bostonsports #bruinshockey #bruinsfan #nhlblackhawks #nhlglobalseries #nhlfi #nhlleafs #nhltrades #nhltradedeadline #nhlcanadiens #nhl #nhlnews #hockey #nhlhockey #nhlplayoffs #nhledits #nhldiscussion #nhlmemes #nhldraft #nhlallstar #hockeylife #hockeynews #hockeymemes #nhlhighlights #icehockey #sports #hockeyislife #nhlbruins #hockeyplayers #hockeyfan #hockeyplayer #hockeyedits #stanleycup #nhlawards #hockeygame #hockeyboys #hockeygram #hockeyfights #nhltrade #nhltrades 
  1. Season 4. Episode 29. The Offseason Begins.
  2. Season 4. Episode 28. A Major Announcement
  3. Season 4. Episode 27. Losing, It's Called Bruins.
  4. Season 4. Episode 26. Is Swayman a Diva?
  5. Season 4. Episode 25. It's Not a Retool

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