Elias Lindholm’s journey with the Boston Bruins has been a wild ride since he signed a seven-year, $54.25 million deal last summer. After a tough start to the 2024-25 season due to a back injury, Lindholm found his groove late in the year, and now he’s making headlines at the 2025 IIHF World Championship. He’s giving Bruins fans plenty to be excited about.
Slow Start Turned Around
Lindholm’s first season with the Bruins didn’t go as planned, mostly due to an early-August back injury that lingered and affected him all season. But things started to click after the trade deadline when interim head coach Joe Sacco put him back with David Pastrnak and Morgan Geekie.
In the last 16 games of the season, Lindholm had six goals and nine assists, third on the team in scoring with 17 goals and 30 assists for 47 points. It wasn’t the breakout season everyone expected, but his finish showed glimpses of the player the Bruins thought they were getting when they signed him.
Center Stage at the World Championship
Lindholm’s finish has carried over into the 2025 IIHF World Championship, where he’s dominating. He had a natural hat trick in a 4-0 shutout win over Slovenia. Through five games, he leads the tournament in scoring with five goals and four assists for nine points.
His vision, timing, and two-way game are better than ever, reminding everyone why the Bruins invested so much in him. If Lindholm keeps playing like this, his play will translate into next season, and he could be a cornerstone of the offense.
Pastrnak Shines Alongside Lindholm
Lindholm isn’t the only Bruins star shining at the World Championship. David Pastrnak is also lighting it up for Czechia, tied with Lindholm for points (five goals and four assists) but in just four games.
Pastrnak’s creativity and flair are on full display, creating space, finishing chances, and making highlight-reel plays. Watching him dominate on the international stage just reinforces he’s one of the NHL’s top scorers and gives Bruins fans even more to be excited about next season.
Dans Locmelis: A Prospect Stealing the Spotlight
While Lindholm and Pastrnak are getting all the headlines, Bruins prospect Dans Locmelis is flying under the radar. The 20-year-old Latvian forward, taken by Boston in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, has 3 goals and 1 assist in 4 games for Latvia.
He looks dangerous every time he touches the puck, speed, skill, and confidence. If he brings this into training camp, the Bruins front office will have some tough decisions to make about the opening night roster.
What This Means for the Bruins
Lindholm, Pastrnak, and Locmelis are all good signs for the Bruins. Lindholm is looking like he’s going to live up to his big contract, Pastrnak is proving he’s one of the best in the league, and Locmelis is adding depth and intrigue to the pipeline.
If these guys bring this into training camp, the Bruins will enter the 2025-26 season with new energy and high expectations. With all the right pieces clicking, Boston might finally have the firepower to win a championship.
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