What's holding up the Hampus Lindholm signing in Anaheim?
The Anaheim Ducks and their unsigned restricted free agent defenseman have a distinct and definite “line in the sand drawn” regarding the annual average value (AAV).
According to Darren Dreger, approximately $250,000 is the barrier that stands between the Ducks and Lindholm.
Buffalo's Rasmus Ristolainen recently signed a six year, $32.4 million contract extension. This si the same deal as Columbus D-man Seth Jones. The Ducks are said to be pushing the Ristolainen deal at Lindholm. Hampus isn't blinking first.
The Ducks have fallen on hard times. Just two weeks into th new season, Randy Carlyle's squad is struggling to win games. The Ducks are off to a disappointing 2-3-2 record .
Lindholm would certainly add immediately value to the Ducks blue line.
One wonders why the Ducks are playing a game of "Chicken" with Lindholm.
According to Dreger, the Ducks have have zero interest in trading Lindholm.
The teams wanst Lindholm to sign a long term deal with the Ducks at their AAV, not Claude Lemieux's ask. Yes. THAT Claude Lemieux is representing Lindholm in these negotiations.
Lindholm, 22, is the right shot D that the Ducks need on their top pair. He eats big minutes and can be trusted to play in all situations. Anaheim is a better team when he is in their lineup. Lindholm can run a power play and loves to support the rush. He's a dynamic defender who will be star in the NHL for many years to come. Lindholm averaged 22 minutes TOI last season while collecting 28 points (10 goals/4 PPG). This kid's ceiling is north of 40 points per season.
To me, that is worth the reported $250K that stands between the Ducks anbd Lindholm.
Who will blink first?
The NHL deadline to re-sign restricted free agents is December 1.
In the meantime, Lindholm remains in his native Sweden where he continues to work out as he awaits the phone call that his new contract is ready to sign.
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