Countdown to TradeCentre: Talks 'intensifying' around Ducks D Lindholm

The NHL's Mar. 21 Trade Deadline is approaching and teams are making decisions on whether to buy, sell and decide which players can make the biggest difference and hold the greatest value. Check out today's trade rumours and speculation from around the NHL beat.

According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, trade talks regarding Ducks defenceman Hampus Lindholm have "intensified." Dreger notes that a 'surprise club' could still find a way to acquire the 28-year-old Swede, but believes the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins remain the top contenders. 

Trade talks in Anaheim have intensified around Hampus Lindholm. As always, leave room for a “surprise” club to land him, but St Louis and Boston remain prime contenders.

The veteran blueliner has five goals and 17 assists in 61 games so far this season.

Lindholm joined the Ducks' organization after being the No. 6 overall selection in the 2012 NHL Draft. Lindholm made his NHL debut the season after and went on to play nine seasons with the Ducks.  

He is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after completing a six-year, $31.5 million deal he signed back in October of 2016. He carries a cap hit of $5.205 million during the 2021-22 campaign.

The Carolina Hurricanes have informed teams they won't trade their 2023 first-round pick for a rental player, according to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun. 

The Hurricanes have informed clubs they won’t trade their 2023 first round pick for a rental player. Obviously they don’t have their first this year from the Kotkaniemi offer sheet. @TSNHockey @TheAthletic

The club does not have this year's first-round pick from the Jesperi Kotkaniemi offer sheet last summer. 

Carolina is currently second in the Eastern Conference with