Flames lock up Lindholm with 6-year, $29.1M contract

The Calgary Flames re-signed forward Elias Lindholm to a six-year contract worth $4.85 million annually, the team announced Monday.

Lindholm and Noah Hanifin were acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes following last month's NHL draft in a blockbuster trade that sent Dougie Hamilton, Micheal Ferland, and Adam Fox the other way.

The 23-year-old Lindholm was chosen fifth overall by the Hurricanes in 2013, but his development has taken slightly longer than expected. He's played in five NHL seasons, and compiled 16 goals and 44 points during 2017-18, both one shy of his career highs.

The Swede is capable of playing both center and on the wing, so head coach Bill Peters (who coached Lindholm in Carolina) can use him in a variety of ways. However, a spot alongside Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau on Calgary's top line could be the quickest formula for Lindholm to find his untapped potential.