The Bruins expected far more when they signed Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million contract on July 1. But this looks like his level.

The Bruins boast a minus-20 goal differential — the second-worst rate in the Eastern Conference. Boston ranks 26th in the NHL in goals scored per game (2.77), and 23rd in goals against per game (3.17).

While the Boston Bruins have not had anywhere near a picture-perfect season thus far, they are right in the mix as we head into the back half of January.

Lindholm earned his first multi-point effort since Dec. 17. The 30-year-old center is warming up again with four points over his last four outings. He's up to eight goals, 24 points, 77 shots on net, 82 hits, 50 blocked shots and a minus-5 rating over 48 appearances.

The Boston Bruins will be playing the New Jersey Devils tonight at the Prudential Center. This is an important contest for the Original Six club, as a win would allow them to pass the Tampa Bay Lightning,

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 20: Fans celebrate with Charlie Coyle #13 of the Boston Bruins as Matthew Poitras #51 moves in to congratulate him after his go ahead goal against the San Jose Sharks during the third period at TD Garden on January 20, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images) Getty Images

Vinny Lettieri and Oliver Wahlstrom were center Elias Lindholm’s linemates as the Boston Bruins defeated the San Jose Sharks 6-3 at TD Garden.

The Boston Bruins didn't realize a big turnaround after their coaching change, so now they could be sellers ahead of the trade deadline.

Charlie Coyle scored the tying and winning goals in the third period as part of a three-point effort, helping the Boston Bruins surge past the visiting San Jose Sharks 6-3 on Monday afternoon.

Lindholm has been a 22-point flop. He is signed for six more seasons with no-move protection through 2029. Lindholm, 30, is practically untradeable, even if the Bruins eat part of his remaining salary.

Will Smith had a goal and assist for the Sharks in a 6-3 loss to the Bruins in his homecoming on Monday before San Jose also lost 7-5 at Nashville