In a potential blockbuster trade, the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames are trading center Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks. Multiple sources, including Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and ESPN’s Kevin Weekes note the deal involves multiple pieces, including winger Andrei Kuzmenko.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period writes that the deal has been agreed to in principle, and tweets: “Andrei Kuzmenko is part of the agreed upon deal, however Calgary is in his no-trade list. He has to approve the trade first. I’m told that process is ongoing.” Rick Dhaliwal confirmed that agent Dan Milstein is working on the process, but notes Calgary is on Kuzmenko’s no-trade list. LeBrun updated his tweets, saying, “Told that Kuzmenko has officially signed off on his NTC to accept a trade to Calgary.”

Vancouver’s interest in Lindholm, who can play multiple positions, recently popped up in the rumor mill, especially as the Canucks were looking to add to their top-six forward unit. With Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, Brock Boeser, Ilya Mikheyev, and potentially Lindholm, the Canucks could boast one of the most formidable offensive lineups in the league.

It is unclear if the Canucks view him as a rental or a player they intend to extend. Lindholm’s slightly down year offensively, with 32 points in 49 games, may work in Vancouver’s favor in negotiating a team-friendly deal. Pierre LeBrun reports, “There’s no extension in the works for Elias Lindholm as part of this Vancouver trade being worked on. He would be going as a rental at least at the outset.”

In return for Lindholm, the Flames are working on a package that includes winger Andrei Kuzmenko. The 27-year-old Russian, who scored 39 goals for the Canucks last season, has struggled to fit into Rick Tocchet‘s system, prompting Vancouver to seek a change.

Given the intra-divisional rivalry, the cost for Vancouver in acquiring Lindholm may be steeper, but a previous trade this year involving Nikita Zadorov indicates a history of deals between the two teams.

Is This a Win/Win for Both Teams?

Elias Lindholm, a two-way scoring center was the top center said to be available at this season’s NHL Trade Deadline. He is known for his off-puck play and will add a big punch to the Canucks’ offense. Lindholm is a pending unrestricted free agent and is just two years removed from an impressive 42-goal, 82-point season. With a cap-friendly contract of $4.85 million annually, acquiring Lindholm could be a strategic move for the Canucks.

Meanwhile, if Kuzmenko finds his game again, he could be a huge addition to the Flames, who with this trade are unlikely to embark on a full rebuild. Kuzmenko’s change of scenery is expected to benefit him, and the deal’s success for the Flames may hinge on obtaining a solid prospect or pick. He has a $5.5 million annual salary and has struggled to replicate his previous season’s success but has still managed 21 points in 43 games this year.

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