The Bruins signed Lindholm to a seven-year, $54.25 million contract on July 1 to be their No. 1 center. That plan has gone sideways.

BRIGHTON– There were big expectations when Elias Lindholm came to Boston. He had big expectations for himself. After signing a seven-year contract worth a total of $54.25 million with the Bruins this offseason–the largest contract the franchise has ever given to an unrestricted free agent– Lindholm was supposed to be the long-term answer at center on the top line that the team has needed since Patrice Bergeron retired.

The Boston Bruins made Elias Lindholm the centerpiece of their offseason, but the center has not gotten off to the start he or the team wants. Assessing his play on Sunday, Lindholm took full accountability and said he needs to be better.