The original thought was that Verbeek would find a way to extend the 6-foot-4 defenseman prior to the trade deadline, but it appears as though the team and the player have come to an impasse on a new deal, with term being the reported conflict. The player wants longer term while the team would like to keep the deal shorter.
I don't think there's any question that Lindholm is a real difference maker for any team who's looking to improve defensively. At this point, the Leafs are believed to be the frontrunner if Lindholm does move, but there are plenty of other suitors.
Until today, we did not know what the ask on Lindholm was, but I think we always knew it was going to be high. Now, thanks to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli, we have a better idea of what the ask is on the Swedish defender.
Leafs GM Kyle Dubas is rumoured to be unwilling to move one of his top four prospects and his 2022 first round pick unless he's bringing back an impact player with term. Knowing what the ask is, I'm starting to wonder whether or not Lindholm is actually in the cards for the Leafs - especially since the ask on him would be the equivalent of say the Leafs' 2023 1st round pick, Rasmus Sandin and an additional pick or prospect. I simply can't see the Leafs giving up all of that after last year's Nick Foligno debacle.
POLL | ||
MARS 17 | 303 ANSWERS Lofty asking price for Hampus Lindholm revealed Will the Leafs pay the price for Hampus Lindholm? | ||
Not a chance | 148 | 48.8 % |
The ask is high, but they'll pay it | 45 | 14.9 % |
I think they'll go after Giordano | 110 | 36.3 % |
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