Sutter heaps high praise on Flames centre Elias Lindholm
Elias Lindholm was drafted in the first round, fifth overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2013.
He went through his share of struggles during his first year in the league; he was away from home for the first time, and leaving Sweden for North America wasn't easy for him.
Through it all, Lindholm always had Rod Brind'Amour in his corner even though he wasn't even a coach when Lindholm broke into the league.
Lindholm will always appreciate of the Hurricanes head coach.
"Rod has had the most impact on my career for sure," Lindholm said. "Even though he wasn't a coach my first year, he was always around."
"I learned from him what it takes to play in the NHL. He was always good to me and knew how to get the most out of me."
MADE A BIG IMPACT
Lindholm has scored 11 goals and added 15 assists this season in 26 games. He's reliable in both ends of the ice and is one of the best two-way centres in the league.
Lindholm says Brind'Amour deserves a lot of credit.
"Overall he's been there and helped me improve, and even though I haven't played for him as a head coach, he's been having a big impact for sure."
'AS CLOSE TO A KOPITAR PLAYER AS THERE IS': SUTTER
Calgary Flames head coach Darryl Sutter isn't one to throw out a lot of praise when talking about his players, but he had no problem doing just that when it came to Lindholm.
Sutter has coached a lot of great centres in the NHL and says Lindholm ranks right up there.
"He's one of the best all-round centreman in the NHL," Sutter said. "I mean, I've coached some good ones, but he's as close to a Kopitar (Los Angeles Kings centre Anže) player as there is."
"It's a top two-way game. He plays a great possession game and he's like a quarterback."
It's expected Lindholm will get the call to represent Sweden at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing, China in February.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canada could impose tariffs on U.S. steel, orange juice in response to Trump threat
Canadian officials are narrowing a list of American products to target in the event the federal government must respond to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, CTV News has confirmed.
Convicted Jan. 6 rioter arrested as fugitive in Whistler, B.C.
An American citizen convicted of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill who said he was seeking asylum in Canada has been arrested as a "fugitive from U.S. justice," according to authorities.
Can the U.S. really make Canada the 51st state?
Talk of Canada becoming the 51st American state has raised an existential question on this side of the border: Could it be done? Could the maple leaf make way to the stars and stripes? According to several experts, it may be possible, but not painless.
L.A. wildfires continue to devastate area, Canada prepared to offer expertise
A series of wildfires are searing through the Los Angeles area, forcing many to evacuate their homes. Here's everything that happened throughout Jan. 8.
'True when I said it, true today': former Canadian PM Harper pushes back against Trump on social media
Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper doesn’t find president-elect Donald Trump’s jibes about Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state very amusing.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he is 'OK' after OPP vehicle he was in was 'sideswiped' in Highway 401 collision
Ontario Premier Doug Ford was uninjured after an OPP vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a collision on Highway 401 earlier today.
At least 60 University of Guelph students sick as 'cluster of illness' hits residence
The University of Guelph is dealing with what they are calling a ‘cluster of illness’ among students living in residence.
Energy minister 'committed' to consumer carbon tax as he considers Liberal leadership
Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson says he would be 'committed' to the consumer carbon tax should he become Liberal leader and prime minister, despite the policy’s unpopularity.
New ranking suggests Canada passport among 'top 5 losers' in the world
A new global ranking may raise doubts about Canada's reputation of being open to other countries.