As the upcoming offseason draws near, it seems like the New York Rangers are ditching their plan to sign superstars and instead looking to acquire underappreciated players or those who are temporarily out of favor but could have hidden potential. Elias Lindholm, a 29-year-old former first-round selection pick from 2013, is one player who has caught the interest of the Rangers. We all know Lindholm can play, even though he hasn’t been that good as of late. He played in 75 games last season, dividing his time between Calgary and Vancouver. He had a point for every game with 15. His full-season 82-game performance in 2021–22 with Calgary, when he scored 42 goals and added 40 assists, showcased his potential.
This offseason, Lindholm will be available to the Rangers as a free agent, which may be a great opportunity for them. Rather than a loss in physical ability, it is more likely that his recent underperformance is due to mental or conceptual challenges, given his age. Giving Lindholm a one-year deal could be a calculated decision that will give him the chance to prove he can recover and land a better deal down the road. Lindholm and the Rangers would both gain from this strategy, as the latter would be able to bolster their squad with the help of an ambitious player looking to show his value. If Lindholm can get back on track, he may be an invaluable asset to the squad, particularly if they are in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Although there are dangers associated with signing a player whose performance has been declining, the Rangers can reduce their long-term commitments thanks to the short-term nature of a possible contract with Lindholm. In the event that the collaboration does not provide the desired outcomes, they can simply terminate the agreement and go on. On the other hand, if Lindholm can regain his former form and play at his best, the Rangers may have a high-value player who contributes greatly for little money, transforming a calculated risk into a big payoff.
