Updated 06.53 | Published 06.18
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TORONTO. He has flown high in recent days, Elias Lindholm.
Literally.
The 29-year-old host was on a plane en route between Mexico and Calgary when he was told last night that he had been sent to Vancouver.
– It was a bit shocking and crazy, but I’m coming to a great team and I’m tagged, says “Lindy” to Sportbladet when we meet him before the first All Star appearance of his career in Toronto.
Many harrowing stories have been told over the years about circumstances NHL players had to deal with when they were hurried from one club to another, but Elias Lindholm’s experience last Thursday probably takes the prize.
After a short “bye week” holiday in Mexico, he was on a plane on his way back to Calgary – and suddenly the news came.
– I got some connection on the phone in the middle of the air and saw that I had a hell of a lot of messages and text messages. Then I understood what had happened, Elias tells Sportbladet during the chaotic press day that precedes his first All Star weekend in the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
– I’ve known ever since the new year that it would probably be a three, but I had no idea to which club and it was a bit shocking. I had to sort out the feelings up there in the air.
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full screen Photo: Per Bjurman
But then there wasn’t much time to think and feel. It was already clear that he would be heading across the continent on Friday for the All-Star adventure in Toronto, so he basically just changed planes and flew east – albeit as a representative of a different Western Canadian club than the one he originally intended .
– Yes, it’s a bit crazy, smiles “Lindy” and glances at the club badge next to the name plate at the podium where he receives the media.
– The Canucks are also going on a long road trip right after this weekend, so I had to repack and try to remember what to bring with me. It was a bit stressful.
Most of all, the 29-year-old from Gävle – who belonged to the Flames for six seasons and before that played with the Carolina Hurricanes for five – is excited about the club change.
– I’ve had great years in Calgary and it’s sad to leave the guys, but that’s the way it is in this business and now I feel damn lucky to be joining a really great team with good coaches and good players at every position.
One of them – named Pettersson – sits on the chair next to the podium in Toronto.
– He really is a class player, he has shown that for several years now. Maybe we can play together in the future, it would be very fun, says the new Elias in Vancouver.
The old Elias in Vancouver think so too.
– It’s very fun and good that we found Elias. He will be of great use to us, he says.
Whether “Lindy” will also sign a contract extension with the series-leading Canucks – or whether the club will only hire him for a long sailing in the spring – no one knows yet.
– This has just happened, so we haven’t had time to talk about it at all. We’ll see, he says.
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full screen Photo: Lindsey Wasson/AP
