NHL: Boston Bruins at Philadelphia Flyers - Source: Imagn — NHL analyst Pierre LeBrun talked aobut bruins new signee Elias Lindholm (image credit: IMAGN)

"Sweeney said he's had enough time" - NHL analyst claims Bruins GM has put $54M center on thin ice

Modified Nov 22, 2024 07:50 GMT

Boston Bruins center Elias Lindholm is facing criticism amid the team's early struggles. TSN Hockey insider Pierre LeBrun discussed Lindholm’s underwhelming performance and the Bruins' slump with Jay Onrait. LeBrun noted Bruins general manager Don Sweeney’s visible frustration during a recent press conference.

"He's (Sweeney) pretty mad at his team and somewhat mad at himself too," LeBrun said on the TSN broadcast on Thursday. "He talked about that in his news conference. Elias Lindholm has not played well. That's a big monster, a seven-year deal that Don Sweeney hoped would fix their number one center hole. He's not looked like a number one center at all."

Lindholm signed a seven-year $54.25 million deal on July 1, with a $7.75 million annual cap hit. He was expected to fill Boston’s No. 1 center role after Patrice Bergeron’s retirement. However, his performance has not met expectations. In 20 games, Lindholm has recorded only nine points (two goals and seven assists), with 29 shots on goal and an average ice time of 18:20 minutes.

"So, it's interesting, because you always as GM can say, it's a new team, and maybe he needs more time to adjust," LeBrun said. "But what Don Sweeney said is that he's had enough time, so he's angry at his players, for sure. But I think if this season doesn't turn around, there's no question Don Sweeney will be the first one to tell you."

The Bruins made a significant investment in Lindholm, expecting a top-tier center. If his performance and the team’s slump continue, Sweeney may look for drastic changes to address the issue.

Boston Bruins' offensive concerns amid Elias Lindholm slump

The Boston Bruins have a record of 8-9-3. They are fourth in the Atlantic Division with 19 points, trailing the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Bruins have lost five out of their last seven games, but that's not the end of their problems. Their offense is struggling and has a goal differential of 15-5 in the last three games.

David Pastrnak leads the team in goals, assists and points. Pastrnak has eight goals and nine assists for 17 points in 20 games. However, he is 35th in the league in goals, 77th in assists and 46 in points.

Lindholm, meanwhile, is ranked outside the top 150 in both goals and points.