The Boston Bruins gave up two high draft picks and two players to acquire defenseman Hampus Lindholm from the Anaheim Ducks. Noah K. Murray/Associated Press
BOSTON — Hampus Lindholm got to experience the playoffs in each of his first five NHL seasons. Then he watched from the outside for the past three years.
So when the longtime Anaheim Ducks defenseman saw an opportunity to sign on with a Bruins team that has reached the postseason almost every year, he was willing to make a long-term commitment.
“They always have that winning mindset,” Lindholm said on Sunday, a day after he was traded to Boston and hours after agreeing to an eight-year, $52 million contract extension. “They find ways to get in the mix and compete. I’ve missed it the last three years. There’s nothing more fun. I can only imagine playing in Boston. I’m ready to go to battle.”
A 28-year-old Swede who figures to slot in on Boston’s No. 2 defensive pairing, Lindholm was acquired from the Ducks on Saturday night for a first-round draft pick this year and second-rounders in 2023 and ’04. Boston also sent defensemen John Moore and Urho Vaakanainen to Anaheim.
The move for the top blue liner on the market heading into Monday’s NHL trade deadline strengthens the Bruins’ defense as they make a playoff push. Through Saturday’s games, Boston had 81 points, good for fourth place in the Atlantic Division, but just three points behind second-place Tampa Bay and two behind third-place Toronto.
“We’re a better team today,” Bruins Coach Bruce Cassidy said. “He has a legitimate top-four resume in the National Hockey League. (He’s) playoff tested, still young. He’s a real good add for us.”
While Anaheim is on pace to missed the playoffs for the fourth straight season, Boston hasn’t sat out the postseason since 2016. They reached the Stanley Cup final two years ago for the third time in a decade.
But the Bruins have lost in the second round each of the last two seasons. In 2021, injuries left them weakened on defense.
“Hopefully, we’re going to stay healthy and we won’t test the depth,” Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney said on Sunday. “Adding Hampus was a big part of that.”
Lindholm figures to be part of a defensive core that includes Charlie McAvoy, who is signed through 2030, and Brandon Carlo, who is locked up until 2027.
“Obviously, Boston is showing who they think of me as a player, a lot of trust,” Lindholm said. “That’s most NHL players’ dream.”
The No. 6 overall pick in the 2012 draft, Lindholm has five goals and 17 assists in 61 games this season. The 6-foot-4, 216-pound defenseman has 57 goals and 165 assists in a nine-year NHL career.
Boston also acquired minor-league defenseman Kodie Curran in the trade. The Ducks will pay half of Lindholm’s salary this season.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.