BREAKING: Flames and Canucks imminently completing blockbuster trade

Moments ago, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman dropped a bombshell report, saying that the Calgary Flames are nearing a blockbuster trade to send forward Elias Lindholm to the Vancouver Canucks.

Friedman is notorious for only reporting absolute facts, so for him to be acknowledging this update means that the trade could really be completed imminently.

UPDATE:


David Pagnotta now reporting the deal is officially complete, and Kuzmenko will be returning to Calgary in the trade.


If the trade goes through, the Canucks would be acquiring arguably the best player available at this year's trade deadline. Lindholm is an extremely effective two-way centrement with elite offensive ability. Last season, Lindholm scored 22 goals and 64 points on the struggling Flames team. This year his production has taken another hit with only 9 goals so far, but again, the Flames have underperformed as a team. In addition, Lindholm can be had for an extremely affordable cap hit of only $4.85M.

If the Canucks are able to add Lindholm, it would be a significant addition to their offence which is already near the best in the league. Already having Elias Pettersson and JT Miller at Center, adding Lindholm would give the Canucks elite depth at the Center position - something that's essential for a team making a long playoff run.

We'll have to see in the coming hours or days if this blockbuster trade is able to be completed. The expected return for Lindholm would be at least a first round pick, high end prospect, and a young quality roster player. The Canucks could meet that trade package easily, and perhaps send Nils Hoglander, Vasily Podkolzin, or even Andrei Kuzmenko to Calgary as the roster player.