BREAKING: Bruins’ Elias Lindholm Reveals Season-Long Back Injury; Canadiens’ Roy Sent to AHL; Maple Leafs D-men Expected for Playoffs; Puljujärvi Suspended
In a stunning revelation, Boston Bruins center Elias Lindholm divulged today that he played the entire 82-game season with a back injury sustained in August, which could explain his disappointing offensive performance post-signing a massive $54.25MM deal. Meanwhile, Montreal Canadiens prospect Joshua Roy was demoted to AHL Laval as they gear up for the playoffs, and the Toronto Maple Leafs expect Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jake McCabe to return for their first-round series against the Senators. In suspension news, Florida Panthers forward Jesse Puljujärvi will miss two playoff games following a suspension for an illegal check to the head.
Bruins’ Lindholm Reveals Injury Woes; Atlantic Division Offseason Buzz
Elias Lindholm’s Injury-Plagued Season in Boston
In a surprising revelation, Boston Bruins center Elias Lindholm has disclosed that he was nursing a back injury throughout his debut season in Boston. The Swedish pivot, who signed a massive seven-year, $54.25MM deal in free agency, dealt with the injury from as early as August, causing him to miss most of training camp and potentially impacting his production.
Lindholm, despite playing all 82 games, struggled mightily offensively, posting a disappointing 17-30–47 line, good for just 0.57 points per game. This marks his second consecutive campaign with less than 20 goals, a stark contrast to his 42-goal output for the Flames in 2021-22.
Injury Impact and Future Outlook
While Lindholm continues to be one of the league’s better faceoff takers (55.2%), his $7.75MM cap hit can’t be justified without increased offensive production. The Bruins, who are already in a cap crunch, will be hoping for a healthier and more prolific Lindholm next season as they look to retool their roster.
Did You Know?
Elias Lindholm is one of only 12 players in NHL history to record three consecutive 20-goal seasons before turning 23. A full recovery could see him return to such form.
FAQs
Q: When did Lindholm sustain the back injury?
A: Lindholm sustained the back injury in August 2024.
Q: How did the injury impact his training camp?
A: The injury caused Lindholm to miss most of training camp.
Elsewhere in the Atlantic
Canadiens Send Joshua Roy to AHL Laval
The Montreal Canadiens have announced they’ve sent prospect Joshua Roy back to the AHL, where he’ll join the playoff-bound Laval Rocket. The 21-year-old winger, who had been on the Habs’ roster since March 10, was a healthy scratch in their final 11 games as they secured a postseason spot.
Roy ends his second NHL season with just two goals and a minus-six rating in 12 appearances. However, he’s been a first-line threat in Laval, tallying 20-15–35 in 46 games before his latest recall.
Maple Leafs Optimistic on Ekman-Larsson, McCabe Returns
The Toronto Maple Leafs expect defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Jake McCabe to be available for Game 1 of their first-round series against the Ottawa Senators. Head coach Craig Berube expressed optimism that both players, who have been invaluable to Toronto’s blue line this season, would be ready.
Panthers’ Puljujärvi Suspended for Playoffs
Florida Panthers winger Jesse Puljujärvi has been suspended for two playoff games after an illegal check to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning winger Mitchell Chaffee. This marks the first supplemental discipline of Puljujärvi’s eight-year career. He has been sent to AHL Charlotte but won’t be immediately available if recalled to the Panthers’ playoff roster.
Pro Tip
Keep an eye on these players’ performances as the offseason unfolds. Their respective teams’ fortunes could well depend on their contributions.
Atlantic Division Trends to Watch
- Bruins’ Retooling: Boston’s hopes for next season rest heavily on a bounce-back campaign from Elias Lindholm.
- Canadiens’ Prospect Pipeline: Montreal’s young talent, like Joshua Roy, will be key to their long-term success.
- Maple Leafs’ Defense: Toronto’s rearguard corps, led by players like OEL and McCabe, will be crucial to their playoff hopes.
- Panthers’ Penalty Troubles: Florida must address their discipline issues, as evidenced by Puljujärvi’s suspension, to make a deep playoff run.
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