Ducks Likely to Move Hampus Lindholm If Term Sticking Point On Deal

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Anaheim Ducks are actively trying to re-sign defenseman Hampus Lindholm and avoid a situation where the blueliner needs to be traded ahead of this year’s NHL Trade Deadline. Unfortunately, there’s a sticking point when it comes to term on a new deal and that sticking point could ultimately lead to a move.

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Lindholm is a pending UFA and Friedman notes, “The word on the Ducks is that they’ve been very wary of term. Lindholm is a top defenseman, you’ve seen what defenseman have been getting, a lot of term, the Ducks have been careful with it and we’ll see where it goes.”

Ducks’ General Manager Pat Verbeek made clear to season ticket holders that his primary objective is to re-sign his impending unrestricted free agents. That includes Lindholm and fellow defenseman Josh Manson, plus forward Rickard Rakell. That doesn’t mean he’ll be able to do so and in the case of Lindholm, there’s a difference between wanting to sign a player and letting him walk for nothing to a team during the summer that is willing to give Lindholm the term he wants.

Lindholm is currently in the final year of a six-year, $31.5 million contract. He is bound to see a cap hit increase from his current $5.2 million and with 20 points in 53 games, he is also averaging plenty of ice time per game. It’s not clear what the ideal length of a new deal is for the Ducks, but it’s likely the player wants at least seven years.

If the Ducks do end up moving him because they can’t agree upon term, 27-year-old could fetch the organization quite a return. There are plenty of teams who have kicked tires on Lindholm and would be eager to make attractive offers if it’s learned he’s officially available.

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