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Toronto Maple Leafs rumors: Par Lindholm close to signing

By Dave Stevenson

GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA - FEBRUARY 21: Par Lindholm #17 of Sweden controls the puck against Patrick Reimer #37 of Germany during the Men's Play-offs Quarterfinals game on day twelve of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at Kwandong Hockey Centre on February 21, 2018 in Gangneung, South Korea. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
GANGNEUNG, SOUTH KOREA - FEBRUARY 21: Par Lindholm #17 of Sweden controls the puck against Patrick Reimer #37 of Germany during the Men's Play-offs Quarterfinals game on day twelve of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games at Kwandong Hockey Centre on February 21, 2018 in Gangneung, South Korea. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to sign free agent center Par Lindholm from Sweden

This is going to be a huge offseason for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They’re close to being Stanley Cup contenders, but they must tread lightly, as they must keep money available to extend William Nylander, Auston Matthews, and Mitch Marner in the next two offseasons. According to a report from Sweden, the Leafs are going back to Europe for some help. After adding players like Nikita Zaitsev, Calle Rosen, and Andreas Borgman, Toronto is expected to sign center Par Lindholm.

While financial terms have yet to be released, it’s likely an NHL deal with some kind of clause which would allow him to come back to Sweden if he doesn’t make the team. Lindholm has been impressive in the SHL for Skelleftea AIK, putting up 78 points (33 goals and 45 assists) in 87 regular season games over the past two seasons.

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During this year’s postseason, he had six goals and 11 points in 16 games. Lindholm also played in four games for Sweden at the 2018 Winter Olympics, scoring one goal. He’s a versatile forward who can play during all situations.

Lindholm makes sense for the Toronto Maple Leafs since they could be losing as many as three centers this offseason. Tyler Bozak, Tomas Plekanec, and Dominic Moore are each free agents. In the AHL, Frederik Gauthier (18 points in 57 regular season games) hasn’t developed as anticipated.

24-year-old center Miro Aaltonen, another European addition, had a strong first North American season. With the Toronto Marlies, he had 20 goals and 43 points in 64 games. Lindholm would give the Maple Leafs a reliable option. Babcock loves having guys who can play both at center and on the wing. Lindholm certainly fits that description.

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He should give Toronto a reliable fourth line center. Lindholm’s skill set could allow him to be a short-term option on the third line, but he’d be a better fit on a more skilled fourth line. Which might be something the Maple Leafs explore creating this offseason. Signing Lindholm suggests they’re very open to the idea.

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