Flavin Media

Hampus Lindholm had a great first year with us and has been steady at times since. However, his hesitancy in pressure situations and lack of physicality hold this team back far too much.

Bruins get: D Arber Xhekaj, 2nd round pick

FOR

Canadiens get: D Hampus Lindholm

Arber Xhekaj, at 6’4″, 240 pounds, would provide decisive physicality and a noteworthy ability to stand up for teammates. Other defensemen would follow his lead and adopt a level of grit that currently only comes in spurts.

You also get a pick on top of this, helping you plan for the future. It addresses two needs with one player who, in my opinion, doesn’t project particularly well.

A trade like this is something Sweeney needs to evaluate in terms of whether his current defensemen truly fit the team’s identity.