Elias Lindholm 2013 First Rounders: Where Are They Now

We’re back with another look back at the 2013 NHL first round draftees. Today we’re taking a look at forward Elias Lindholm and his story. While Lindholm didn’t finish his rookie season in the NHL he certainly made an impact with the Hurricanes who are looking for a big year from him next season.

When and where was he drafted?

Elias Lindholm found his way into the NHL draft rankings through his impressive time in the Swedish Hockey League where he racked up 30 points in 48 games. He also laced up for Sweden at the 2012 U-18’s and 2013 World Championships and recorded 9 points in 6 games at the later tournament. With his impressive offence, incredible hands, stick-handling skills and passing capabilities he earned a lot of attention from NHL scouts and skyrocketed up the draft rankings. He was taken 5th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes at the 2013 NHL draft.

How did his 2013-2014 season go

For Elias Lindholm, his rookie year couldn’t have gotten off on a better foot. He cracked the Hurricanes roster right out of training camp and scored his first NHL goal in just his fourth game. He found a permanent spot on the Hurricanes roster and in the line-up night in and night out. Unfortunately he couldn’t produce at a rate the Hurricanes would have liked, racking up 21 points in 58 games and was sent down for some much needed AHL time.

“A very effective player in all three zones, Lindholm possess great puck-handling and solid playmaking abilities.”

With the Charlotte Checkers he laced up for just 6 games and recorded 3 points in that span. The Checkers did not qualify for the AHL postseason and with those 6 games his season was done.

He got off to a rough start with the Hurricanes and took almost 6 months to find his grove in the NHL, but when he did he found chemistry with the likes of Jordan Staal and Jeff Skinner amongst the Hurricanes top 6 forwards. Not exactly bad company for the young player.

• On October 10th, 2013 Lindholm become the youngest Swedish born NHL player to score a goal at 18 years and 311 days.

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Thoughts On Last Season

As previously mentioned, Elias Lindholm had a tough time adjusting to the NHL playing style following his draft year. He took almost 6 months to get his feet under him, but when he did he looked stellar. Despite the struggles, the Hurricanes and scouts still held fact to the fact that Lindholm has all the potential to be a stellar young player. His determination and effort is tough to find in young players and something that makes his tough to play against in all 3 zones. Another impressive thing about his game, is his willingness to go to the dirty areas of the rink and fight hard for the puck. 

As the season went on he looked less and less burdened by expectations and more mature on the ice. He came a long way in his rookie season with the Hurricanes and has all the potential to be a top 5 scorer for the Hurricanes going forward.