Elias Lindholm: Underwhelming and Underdelivering
When Elias Lindholm landed in Boston, it was supposed to be a fresh start—a chance to rediscover the form he had during his peak Calgary days. At first glance, his stat line wasn’t dreadful: 47 points (17 goals, 30 assists) in 82 games. But in a system that demanded more offensive spark and leadership, especially after Brad Marchand was traded midseason, Lindholm didn’t step up.
Yes, he was technically tied for third in points on the team, but that says more about Boston’s lack of firepower than Lindholm’s value. Marchand played only 61 games before heading to Florida, and Zacha’s slow start deflated expectations early. In other words, Lindholm’s numbers were inflated by circumstance, not by dominance.
What’s more concerning is that his impact beyond the box score was minimal. Sure, he played a physical style, blocked shots, and won faceoffs—but the Bruins didn’t bring him in to be a glorified bottom-six grinder. He was supposed to help fill the vacuum left by Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, not just exist in the middle six.
Heading into what’s shaping up to be a mini-rebuild, the Bruins should be looking to flip Lindholm while he still has value—maybe to a contending team looking to bulk up their middle six. He’s not a bad player, just not the right fit for where Boston is headed.
Joonas Korpisalo: Loud Discontent, Quiet Results
Then there’s Joonas Korpisalo, a goalie who was supposed to provide depth, maybe even compete for the starting gig at times. But what Boston got instead was mediocre consistency paired with occasional grumbling about playing time. For a team trying to stabilize after goaltending turnover in recent seasons, that’s not what you want in a backup—or a 1B.
Let’s be fair: Korpisalo had flashes of brilliance, including three shutouts in 24 starts. That’s not nothing. But when you zoom out, the inconsistency starts to tell a more honest story. His .893 save percentage and 2.90 GAA might’ve looked passable compared to Jeremy Swayman’s down year, but his 0.500 quality starts percentage and five ‘really bad starts’ (roughly 21% of his outings) speak louder than the occasional shutout.
The biggest red flag? His own words. Korpisalo has made it clear he wants more time in net. And while that’s not inherently wrong—most competitors want more time—his play didn’t justify it, and the Bruins clearly view Swayman as the future, given his new long-term deal.
If you’re Boston, why keep a goalie who isn’t content with his role, isn’t excelling in limited action, and could be flipped for assets? Send him back to Columbus, or to another team in need of a backup with starting potential. This just isn’t the place for him anymore.
Why This Is the Right Time to Move On
It’s easy to react emotionally after a disappointing season, but smart franchises make strategic subtractions to build something better. The Bruins aren’t that far off—they still have a solid core, young talent, and elite-level coaching. But shedding contracts and attitudes that no longer serve the team is the first step in turning the page.
- Lindholm, while serviceable, doesn’t elevate this roster or embody the direction they’re going.
- Korpisalo is replaceable, especially given the glut of goalies around the league and the rise of younger options.
In short, both are expendable—not because they’re bad players, but because they’re bad fits.
A Final Thought for Bruins Fans
If you’re a fan, it’s okay to feel let down. But this offseason might be more opportunity than catastrophe. The Bruins are still a well-run organization, and Don Sweeney knows how to make moves when he has to. Cutting ties with Lindholm and Korpisalo could clear the way for a more focused, energized roster built around players who want to be in Boston and who can actually move the needle.
So, keep the faith—just know that part of building something new often starts with letting go of what’s holding you back.
Want to dive into some potential trade destinations for Lindholm or free-agent goalies Boston could target?
Leave a Reply