Hampus Lindholm joined the Boston Bruins on March 19, 2022, in a trade from the Anaheim Ducks that included multiple draft picks and players. In his first brief season with Boston, he scored five points in 10 games but had no points in four playoff games.
During his first full season (2023-24) with the Bruins, Lindholm emerged as one of the NHL’s top defenders, achieving career highs in assists (43) and points (53), and leading the league with a plus-43 rating. He finished fourth in Norris Trophy voting and excelled in the first year of his eight-year, $52 million contract.
However, Lindholm’s performance dipped in 2023-24. Although he remained a solid defender, his influence was inconsistent, sometimes appearing less engaged during games. This season, he was less noticeable on the ice compared to the previous year.
Regular Season Performance
Lindholm started the 2023-24 season with a plus-3 in an opening-night win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Despite the Bruins’ strong 8-0-1 start, Lindholm had no points, a minus-2 rating, and eight penalty minutes in October.
In November, he improved with five points in 13 games and increased his shots on goal. December saw a decline, with Lindholm contributing only four assists in 13 games and a minus-3 rating. His shot attempts also dropped to the lowest of the season.
January brought a resurgence, with Lindholm recording 10 assists in 14 games, a plus-14 rating, and 10 penalty minutes. His ice time decreased slightly, and his shots on goal were lower.
After the All-Star break, Lindholm went pointless in seven games before suffering an injury on February 19. He returned on March 9, and in the final 17 games, he scored two goals and five assists but had a minus-1 rating. He ended the season with 73 games played, 26 points, and a plus-18 rating, a significant drop from the previous year.
Playoff Performance
Lindholm had a mixed playoff performance. He recorded four points in the series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, including a crucial goal in Game 7. However, he went pointless in the following series against the Florida Panthers, where the Bruins were eliminated.
Final Grade and Future Outlook
Lindholm receives a B- for the season. His performance was inconsistent, and his production dropped significantly, partially due to an extended injury. Despite this, he remains a valuable top-four defenseman, though fans question if he is worth his $6.5 million salary.
Moving forward, Lindholm has six seasons left on his contract, with a no-movement and no-trade clause for the next three years. The Bruins hope he can stay healthy and continue to contribute effectively as they aim to remain contenders.
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