Anaheim Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm (47) was traded to the Boston Bruins for two players and three draft picks. AP file photo
The Boston Bruins are fortifying their defense for the stretch run, adding Anaheim defenseman Hampus Lindholm for three draft picks, Urho Vaakanainen and John Moore.
Kevin Weekes of ESPN and Canada’s TSN, first reported the deal. The Bruins made the trade official just after 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Anaheim is retaining 50 percent of Lindholm’s prorated $5.2 million salary. Boston is also getting AHL defenseman Kodie Curran, a 32-year-old who is likely bound for Providence.
TSN had Lindholm as the best player among those likely to be dealt on its trade board early Saturday.
Lindholm, a 28-year-old who’ll be an unrestricted free agent after the season, is a left-shot defenseman who has five goals and 22 assists in 61 games for the Ducks. The 6-foot-3, 208-pound former first-round pick has played his entire nine-season career in Anaheim. He’s played 22:32 per game, second on the Ducks. The Bruins are expected to attempt to work out an extension.
He’ll join Boston’s top four on defense alongside Charlie McAvoy, Brandon Carlo and Matt Grzelcyk.
The Bruins have also been rumored to also be exploring deals for a top-six forward before Monday’s trade deadline, especially if they grant Jake DeBrusk’s request to be traded.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
