In a bold move to strengthen their center depth and chase another Stanley Cup, the Colorado Avalanche have officially signed veteran forward Elias Lindholm to a lucrative multi-year deal. The signing was announced Wednesday morning and is being hailed as one of the most impactful acquisitions of the 2025 NHL offseason.
Lindholm, 30, agreed to a five-year, $37.5 million contract with the Avalanche after a competitive free agency period. The former Vancouver Canuck and Calgary Flame was one of the most sought-after centers available, praised league-wide for his elite two-way play, faceoff dominance, and ability to contribute on both the power play and penalty kill.
Avalanche General Manager Chris MacFarland called the signing a “game-changer.”
> “Elias brings leadership, experience, and a complete 200-foot game. We believe he can step in and be a difference-maker right away, especially in the playoffs,” MacFarland said.
Lindholm recorded 55 points (20 goals, 35 assists) in 81 games last season between Calgary and Vancouver, and proved especially valuable in the Canucks’ postseason run. His reputation as a responsible, smart center with offensive upside made him an ideal target for a Colorado team that has been searching for stability down the middle behind Nathan MacKinnon.
The Avalanche struggled with center depth last season following injuries and inconsistency from their bottom-six forwards. Lindholm’s arrival is expected to alleviate pressure on MacKinnon and open up more opportunities for the likes of Mikko Rantanen, Artturi Lehkonen, and Valeri Nichushkin.
Lindholm, originally drafted fifth overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2013, is no stranger to high expectations. He spent the bulk of his prime seasons with the Flames, including a career-best 82-point season in 2021-22. While his numbers dipped slightly in recent years, many believe that in the Avalanche’s high-tempo, puck-possession system, Lindholm could thrive once again.
In his first comments as an Avalanche player, Lindholm emphasized his desire to win.
> “I’ve been watching Colorado for a long time, and they play the kind of hockey every player wants to be a part of — fast, skilled, and competitive,” he said. “They’ve built a winning culture here, and I want to help bring another Cup to Denver.”
Lindholm is also expected to take on a leadership role in the Avalanche locker room, especially with the uncertain long-term status of captain Gabriel Landeskog.
Fans and analysts alike see this move as a sign that Colorado isn’t satisfied with just one championship — they’re determined to build a dynasty.
If Lindholm meshes quickly with Colorado’s core, this could prove to be one of the most effective signings of the summer and a major step toward the Avalanche returning to Stanley Cup glory.
