Quoting: Swedenheim
Theoretically Lindholm says he will sign a reasonable extension, does that make you cough up the pick and maybe more, Lindholm is certainly not young but he also certainly isn’t old and has a number of good years left in him
It would be more appealing. I definitely think Lindholm is worth a first plus, however if VAN is going to trade their first I am not sure Lindholm is the best fit for the team. The team needs D improvements but would prefer right side upgrades.
Concerns fit wise for VAN from my perspective would be:
VAN is still likely 3-4 years away from contending which would be pushing Lindholm into his 30's and likely into a state of decline.
VAN is high on Jack Rathbone becoming a solid top 4 LD in the very near future. With Hughes also playing the left side, VAN hopes to be set in this position for years to come.
VAN traded away their 1&2 round picks last year and don't appear to have a lot of future players coming in on ECL's. If they trade away top picks for players without some form of team control on team friendly deals, they could continue to have cap issues long term.
Greater need for improvement on the right side.
All that being said JB tried hard to acquire OEL last year, a desperation move in my opinion, and he is likely going to be even more desperate to improve the team this year, so I could definitely see him having interest, I would think VAN would probably have to add prospect though.