Canucks trade Kuzmenko, first-rounder and more to Flames for Lindholm
The Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames have completed a blockbuster deal involving Elias Lindholm.
The Flames are getting Andrei Kuzmenko, Hunter Brzustewicz, Joni Jurmo, a 2024 first-round pick, and a conditional 2024 fourth-round pick in return for the NHL All-Star.
The fourth-round pick will become a third-round pick if the Canucks make the Western Conference Final, per Pat Steinberg of Sportsnet 960.
Per general manager Craig Conroy, the condition on the 2024 fourth-round pick involves Vancouver making the Western Conference Final.
If Canucks make the WCF, the pick turns into a 2024 third-round pick.
Also confirms no salary retention on Elias Lindholm. #Flames
— Pat Steinberg (@Fan960Steinberg) February 1, 2024
The Flames are getting a very solid package in return for Lindholm. Brzustewicz is a strong prospect that leads all OHL defencemen in points with 69 in 47 games with the Kitchener Rangers this season.
They’re also getting Kuzmenko, who scored 39 goals last season, the smooth skating Jurmo who was drafted in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft, and a 2024 first-round pick.
“I want to thank Kuzy for all that he did for the Vancouver Canucks. Andrei worked hard at improving his game and trying to adjust to life as a pro in North America,â said general manager Patrik Allvin through a press release.
The Canucks are acquiring Lindholm, a versatile top-six player who can play centre or on the wing. He’s just two years removed from scoring 42 goals and will help them prepare for their postseason push.
The trade finally got completed after a frenzy was set off by Elliotte Friedman’s reporting earlier in the day. Chris Tanev was reportedly being talked about in the trade as well, but didn’t get included in the deal.
What this trade means for the Canucks
The Canucks have now pushed their chips in the middle. They gave up a package that included a roster player, their first-round pick, and prospects. However, they do currently sit first in the NHL and have solidified their forward corps as they get ready for playoffs.
The team went out and got the top-six forward that they were looking for. While Lindholm is not having the best season of his career with nine goals and 32 points in 49 games, he’s scored at a consistent 60-point pace or better for the last few years.
“In acquiring Elias Lindholm we feel that he vastly improves our hockey team. He is a proven front line performer and will give head coach Rick Tocchet some more options when putting together our top two lines,” said Allvin through the same press release.
Lindholm finished second in the 2021-22 Selke Trophy voting behind Patrice Bergeron, showing off some impressive defensive skills.
The forward is in the final season of his $4.85 million contract and will be a UFA this offseason. There is no extension in place at the moment according to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun.Â
What this trade means for the Flames
The Flames have started their rebuild by dealing Lindholm and got paid for doing so.
Kuzmenko scored 39 goals last season, his first year in the NHL. If they can help him find some of that magic, the Flames will be very happy with the Russian winger.
Kuzmenko’s agent Dan Milstein released a statement on social media about how excited the player is to join the Flames.
Re: Andrei Kuzmenko Trade: We have been working with the Vancouver Canucks and the Calgary Flames since Sunday.
Andrei Kuzmenko spoke with both the GM and Head Coach prior to agreeing to the trade. He is looking forward to joining the Calgary Flames.
He is extremelyâŚ
— Dan Milstein (@HockeyAgent1) February 1, 2024
Brzustewicz is a right-shot defenceman that has been tearing up the OHL this season. He’s been scoring at a historic pace and has a lot of promise as an offensive blueliner. The 19-year-old is a strong addition to the Flames’ prospect pool.
Jurmo is an interesting prospect who is a smooth skater for his size but has struggled to put it all together.
The Flames also get a first-round pick but one that will likely be late in the draft with the pace that the Canucks are on.
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