Bruins newcomer Hampus Lindholm commits for 8 years, cites team's 'winning mindset'

Hampus Lindholm got to experience the playoffs in each of his first five NHL seasons. Then he watched from the outside for the past three.

So, when the longtime Anaheim Ducks defenceman saw an opportunity to sign on with a Bruins team that reached the post-season almost every year, he was willing to make a long-term commitment.

"They always have that winning mindset," Lindholm said on Sunday, a day after he was traded to Boston and hours after agreeing to an eight-year, $52-million US contract extension.

"They find ways to get in the mix and compete," said Lindholm, a 2012 first-round draft pick who had played his entire career in Anaheim. "I've missed it the last three years. There's nothing more fun. I can only imagine playing in Boston. I'm ready to go to battle."

A 28-year-old Swede who figures to slot in on Boston's No. 2 defensive pairing, Lindholm was acquired from the Ducks on Saturday night for a first-round draft pick this year and second-rounders in 2023 and '04. Boston also sent defencemen John Moore and Urho Vaakanainen to Anaheim.

The move for the top blue-liner on the market heading into Monday's NHL trade deadline strengthens the Bruins' defence as they make a playoff push. Through Saturday's games, Boston had 81 points, good for fourth place in the Atlantic Division.

"We're a better team today," Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy said. "He has a legitimate top-four resume in the National Hockey League. [He's] playoff tested, still young. He's a real good add for us."

While Anaheim has missed the playoffs three straight years — finishing last last season — and is on pace to make it four in a row, Boston hasn't sat out since 2016. They reached the Stanley Cup final two years ago for the third time in a decade