Edmonton Oilers Reportedly Pursuing Former Calgary Flames Forward Who Once Netted 35 Goals in a Breakout NHL Season
The Edmonton Oilers are once again making waves in the NHL offseason rumor mill, this time with reported interest in a former Calgary Flames forward who once lit the lamp 35 times in a single season. As the team looks to add scoring depth and bolster its offensive arsenal, attention has turned toward a familiar name who could ignite not only the offense but also rekindle one of hockey’s most storied rivalries in a new and unexpected way. While nothing has been confirmed officially by the organization, reports and speculation suggest that the Oilers are seriously considering the signing of this former standout, who has a proven scoring pedigree but whose recent seasons have been a mixed bag.
The player in question is Elias Lindholm, who reached a career-high 42 goals during the 2021–22 NHL season with the Calgary Flames. Though the initial report stated “former 35-goal scorer,” it’s clear that Lindholm’s peak actually surpassed that mark, making the interest from Edmonton even more intriguing. The Swedish forward is currently an unrestricted free agent, and several teams have expressed interest. However, few destinations would generate as much buzz—or potential controversy—as a move from Calgary to their Alberta arch-rivals in Edmonton.
Lindholm’s appeal to the Oilers is obvious. He’s a versatile top-six forward who can play center or wing, excels on both the power play and penalty kill, and brings leadership and playoff experience to the table. At just 30 years old, he still has gas in the tank, and with the right linemates, there’s every reason to believe he could rediscover his scoring touch. For a team like Edmonton, which already boasts elite offensive talent in Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, adding a player like Lindholm could be the piece that balances their top two lines and provides greater lineup flexibility.
For Oilers general manager Jeff Jackson, who took over hockey operations duties last year, this would be a bold but calculated move. Edmonton’s Achilles’ heel in recent seasons hasn’t been a lack of star power—it’s been depth scoring, defensive lapses, and at times an inconsistent bottom-six. Signing Lindholm would not only boost their top six but potentially allow other wingers and centers to slot into more appropriate roles, creating a ripple effect throughout the forward corps.
The idea of a former Flames star joining the Oilers is bound to provoke reactions on both sides of the Battle of Alberta. Lindholm was a core part of Calgary’s leadership group and one of the team’s most consistent performers for several seasons. His departure from the Flames at the 2024 trade deadline, when he was sent to the Vancouver Canucks, marked the end of an era. Now, his potential arrival in Edmonton could serve as a symbolic changing of the guard—both in his own career and in the ongoing rivalry between the two Alberta teams.
From a roster perspective, Lindholm’s arrival would likely mean a reworking of the current forward lines. One possibility is that he centers the second line, allowing Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to shift to the wing or drop to a third-line role, depending on matchups. Another is deploying Lindholm alongside McDavid or Draisaitl, creating an overwhelming offensive trio that could be among the league’s best. His responsible two-way play would be a welcome addition on a team that has, at times, been accused of relying too heavily on offense while neglecting defensive responsibility.
Contractually, the question becomes what kind of deal Lindholm is seeking. His previous contract with the Flames paid him $4.85 million annually, and while he likely seeks a raise, he may need to temper expectations based on a less productive 2023–24 campaign. That season saw a dip in production, but context is important—Calgary as a whole struggled, and Lindholm spent much of the year without consistent linemates. In Edmonton, he would benefit from the presence of two of the best playmakers in hockey, potentially allowing him to return to point-per-game pace.
Cap space is always an issue for contending teams, and the Oilers are no exception. However, there have been hints that management is willing to make the necessary moves—trades, buyouts, or retained salary transactions—to open up room for a significant addition. The recent trade of Evander Kane to the Vancouver Canucks, while surprising, could be part of a larger strategy to create cap flexibility. With Kane’s salary off the books, Edmonton has a clearer path to make a splash in free agency.
For Lindholm, the decision is likely to come down to fit and competitiveness. He’s entering the stage of his career where a Stanley Cup is the top priority. The Oilers, who made a deep playoff run last season and are expected to contend again, offer a genuine chance at a championship. Playing alongside McDavid and Draisaitl also means higher point totals and potentially a final big contract down the road. If the goal is winning, Edmonton makes a lot of sense.
The cultural and emotional aspects of such a move shouldn’t be overlooked, however. The Battle of Alberta is one of the NHL’s fiercest rivalries, and crossing the divide is not something players do lightly. That said, hockey is a business, and history is full of examples of players who succeeded after moving to a rival team. Lindholm would undoubtedly face boos when returning to Calgary, but he’d also earn instant credibility and respect in Edmonton if he produced immediately.
One aspect that may appeal to both Lindholm and the Oilers is his playoff experience. Though the Flames have had mixed postseason success, Lindholm has generally elevated his play in the postseason. He brings a mature, composed presence that Edmonton could use, especially when navigating the ups and downs of playoff hockey. His defensive acumen, faceoff ability, and positional awareness are assets that become even more valuable in the spring.
It’s also worth noting that Edmonton has quietly built a reputation for rejuvenating the careers of established veterans. Players like Zach Hyman and Evander Kane found new life with the Oilers, thriving alongside their superstar centers. Lindholm could be the next in that line, especially if he signs a short-term deal with the goal of boosting his numbers before hitting the market again.
From the fans’ perspective, the potential acquisition is bound to be polarizing. Some will welcome Lindholm’s addition, seeing it as a savvy move to bolster a contending roster. Others will be skeptical, pointing to his recent dip in production and the risks of adding another expensive contract. But if history has shown anything, it’s that talent tends to win out—especially when paired with the right teammates and systems.
Whether or not the signing materializes, the very fact that Edmonton is in the conversation reveals their aggressive approach to roster construction this offseason. The Oilers are clearly not content with being perennial contenders—they want to win now. Adding a proven scorer like Elias Lindholm would send a strong signal to the rest of the league that they are all-in for 2025 and beyond.
Ultimately, this rumored pursuit underscores the fine line that contending teams must walk: balancing cap space, player fit, and long-term sustainability while also making the bold moves necessary to get over the hump. If the Oilers do secure Lindholm’s signature, they’ll not only gain a valuable player but also dramatically alter the storyline of the Battle of Alberta for seasons to come. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this offseason just got a lot more interesting in Edmonton.
