With the fourth total decide within the 2024 NHL Draft, the Blue Jackets have chosen Drugs Hat (WHL) heart Cayden Lindstrom.
Right here’s what it is best to know in regards to the latest CBJ ahead within the moments after his draft decide.
The Lindstrom file: A giant heart with scoring contact that checks off a whole lot of containers, Lindstrom is coming off a dominant however injury-shortened marketing campaign with Drugs Hat of the Western Hockey League, one of many prime junior leagues in Canada. The 6-3, 213-pounder performed in 32 regular-season video games this previous season for the Tigers and practically posted a purpose per recreation, notching 27 tallies to go together with 19 assists for 46 factors. Ranked No. 3 amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting and putting fifth in our consensus ballot, Lindstrom had eight two-goal video games and 16 multipoint video games this 12 months and likewise has skated for Canada at worldwide tournaments.
On the spot evaluation: This appeared just like the almost certainly consequence for the Blue Jackets’ prime draft decide going into the draft, and so it got here to move. For a franchise that has traditionally been on the lookout for top-line facilities, the long run actually appears vibrant with Lindstrom set to pair with 2023 third total decide Adam Fantilli. In an ideal world, the duo shall be a one-two punch to paved the way for years to come back for Columbus down the center. There have been a whole lot of gifted gamers on the desk, however Lindstrom is a scout’s dream given his measurement, offensive skills and penchant for bodily play. There’s some threat – he missed a lot of the second half of this previous season with harm – however he initiatives to be a game-changing participant down the highway.
What do the analysts say? Lindstrom’s capability to play with velocity, rating in numerous methods and produce a bodily presence to the desk has impressed up to now. Hadi Kalakeche of Dobber Prospects notes, “Merely put, Lindstrom is that this draft’s marquee energy ahead,” whereas The Hockey Information’ Tony Ferrari says, “There isn’t one other participant who brings the bodily traits that Lindstrom has within the draft once you incorporate the offensive ability he has as nicely.” Chris Peters of FloHockey initiatives Lindstrom as a “top-of-the-lineup winger or strong No. 2 heart,” whereas Ferrari notes he can rating with a “filthy” shot or by utilizing his ability on the entrance of the online in site visitors. Ferrari additionally notes Lindstrom performs with a imply streak each with the puck and with out out, noting he goes at defenders “attacking downhill like an NFL operating again seeking to truck his opponent.”
Get to know him: A member of the Driftpile Cree Nation, Lindstrom hails from tiny Chetwynd, British Columbia, a city of round 2,500 folks situated within the northeast portion of the province a couple of 12-hour drive northeast of Vancouver. Additionally a soccer and baseball participant rising up, Lindstrom moved to Vancouver on the age of 14 to pursue his hockey dream, working with the Delta Hockey Academy program to extend his abilities. It actually paid off, as Lindstrom headed to the WHL from there and has made a number of appearances for Crew Canada in his age group. He’s fairly an athlete, as he ran a 4.38 second 40-meter sprint throughout coaching this previous offseason, and he can juggle.
What’s subsequent? Lindstrom will get the possibility to see Columbus – and The fifth Line – when he heads to the Blue Jackets’ annual improvement camp on the OhioHealth Ice Haus subsequent week. From there, the event path isn’t assured – it’s going to be as much as the participant – however it’s largely thought this 12 months’s draft doesn’t fairly have as many gamers who’re NHL prepared on the prime. Lindstrom may have the possibility to impress in camp, however it will even be completely fantastic for him to return to the Western Hockey League, the place Blue Jackets prospects Denton Mateychuk and Stanislav Svozil have shined in recent times.
With the fourth total decide within the 2024 NHL Draft, the Blue Jackets have chosen Drugs Hat (WHL) heart Cayden Lindstrom.
Right here’s what it is best to know in regards to the latest CBJ ahead within the moments after his draft decide.
The Lindstrom file: A giant heart with scoring contact that checks off a whole lot of containers, Lindstrom is coming off a dominant however injury-shortened marketing campaign with Drugs Hat of the Western Hockey League, one of many prime junior leagues in Canada. The 6-3, 213-pounder performed in 32 regular-season video games this previous season for the Tigers and practically posted a purpose per recreation, notching 27 tallies to go together with 19 assists for 46 factors. Ranked No. 3 amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting and putting fifth in our consensus ballot, Lindstrom had eight two-goal video games and 16 multipoint video games this 12 months and likewise has skated for Canada at worldwide tournaments.
On the spot evaluation: This appeared just like the almost certainly consequence for the Blue Jackets’ prime draft decide going into the draft, and so it got here to move. For a franchise that has traditionally been on the lookout for top-line facilities, the long run actually appears vibrant with Lindstrom set to pair with 2023 third total decide Adam Fantilli. In an ideal world, the duo shall be a one-two punch to paved the way for years to come back for Columbus down the center. There have been a whole lot of gifted gamers on the desk, however Lindstrom is a scout’s dream given his measurement, offensive skills and penchant for bodily play. There’s some threat – he missed a lot of the second half of this previous season with harm – however he initiatives to be a game-changing participant down the highway.
What do the analysts say? Lindstrom’s capability to play with velocity, rating in numerous methods and produce a bodily presence to the desk has impressed up to now. Hadi Kalakeche of Dobber Prospects notes, “Merely put, Lindstrom is that this draft’s marquee energy ahead,” whereas The Hockey Information’ Tony Ferrari says, “There isn’t one other participant who brings the bodily traits that Lindstrom has within the draft once you incorporate the offensive ability he has as nicely.” Chris Peters of FloHockey initiatives Lindstrom as a “top-of-the-lineup winger or strong No. 2 heart,” whereas Ferrari notes he can rating with a “filthy” shot or by utilizing his ability on the entrance of the online in site visitors. Ferrari additionally notes Lindstrom performs with a imply streak each with the puck and with out out, noting he goes at defenders “attacking downhill like an NFL operating again seeking to truck his opponent.”
Get to know him: A member of the Driftpile Cree Nation, Lindstrom hails from tiny Chetwynd, British Columbia, a city of round 2,500 folks situated within the northeast portion of the province a couple of 12-hour drive northeast of Vancouver. Additionally a soccer and baseball participant rising up, Lindstrom moved to Vancouver on the age of 14 to pursue his hockey dream, working with the Delta Hockey Academy program to extend his abilities. It actually paid off, as Lindstrom headed to the WHL from there and has made a number of appearances for Crew Canada in his age group. He’s fairly an athlete, as he ran a 4.38 second 40-meter sprint throughout coaching this previous offseason, and he can juggle.
What’s subsequent? Lindstrom will get the possibility to see Columbus – and The fifth Line – when he heads to the Blue Jackets’ annual improvement camp on the OhioHealth Ice Haus subsequent week. From there, the event path isn’t assured – it’s going to be as much as the participant – however it’s largely thought this 12 months’s draft doesn’t fairly have as many gamers who’re NHL prepared on the prime. Lindstrom may have the possibility to impress in camp, however it will even be completely fantastic for him to return to the Western Hockey League, the place Blue Jackets prospects Denton Mateychuk and Stanislav Svozil have shined in recent times.
With the fourth total decide within the 2024 NHL Draft, the Blue Jackets have chosen Drugs Hat (WHL) heart Cayden Lindstrom.
Right here’s what it is best to know in regards to the latest CBJ ahead within the moments after his draft decide.
The Lindstrom file: A giant heart with scoring contact that checks off a whole lot of containers, Lindstrom is coming off a dominant however injury-shortened marketing campaign with Drugs Hat of the Western Hockey League, one of many prime junior leagues in Canada. The 6-3, 213-pounder performed in 32 regular-season video games this previous season for the Tigers and practically posted a purpose per recreation, notching 27 tallies to go together with 19 assists for 46 factors. Ranked No. 3 amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting and putting fifth in our consensus ballot, Lindstrom had eight two-goal video games and 16 multipoint video games this 12 months and likewise has skated for Canada at worldwide tournaments.
On the spot evaluation: This appeared just like the almost certainly consequence for the Blue Jackets’ prime draft decide going into the draft, and so it got here to move. For a franchise that has traditionally been on the lookout for top-line facilities, the long run actually appears vibrant with Lindstrom set to pair with 2023 third total decide Adam Fantilli. In an ideal world, the duo shall be a one-two punch to paved the way for years to come back for Columbus down the center. There have been a whole lot of gifted gamers on the desk, however Lindstrom is a scout’s dream given his measurement, offensive skills and penchant for bodily play. There’s some threat – he missed a lot of the second half of this previous season with harm – however he initiatives to be a game-changing participant down the highway.
What do the analysts say? Lindstrom’s capability to play with velocity, rating in numerous methods and produce a bodily presence to the desk has impressed up to now. Hadi Kalakeche of Dobber Prospects notes, “Merely put, Lindstrom is that this draft’s marquee energy ahead,” whereas The Hockey Information’ Tony Ferrari says, “There isn’t one other participant who brings the bodily traits that Lindstrom has within the draft once you incorporate the offensive ability he has as nicely.” Chris Peters of FloHockey initiatives Lindstrom as a “top-of-the-lineup winger or strong No. 2 heart,” whereas Ferrari notes he can rating with a “filthy” shot or by utilizing his ability on the entrance of the online in site visitors. Ferrari additionally notes Lindstrom performs with a imply streak each with the puck and with out out, noting he goes at defenders “attacking downhill like an NFL operating again seeking to truck his opponent.”
Get to know him: A member of the Driftpile Cree Nation, Lindstrom hails from tiny Chetwynd, British Columbia, a city of round 2,500 folks situated within the northeast portion of the province a couple of 12-hour drive northeast of Vancouver. Additionally a soccer and baseball participant rising up, Lindstrom moved to Vancouver on the age of 14 to pursue his hockey dream, working with the Delta Hockey Academy program to extend his abilities. It actually paid off, as Lindstrom headed to the WHL from there and has made a number of appearances for Crew Canada in his age group. He’s fairly an athlete, as he ran a 4.38 second 40-meter sprint throughout coaching this previous offseason, and he can juggle.
What’s subsequent? Lindstrom will get the possibility to see Columbus – and The fifth Line – when he heads to the Blue Jackets’ annual improvement camp on the OhioHealth Ice Haus subsequent week. From there, the event path isn’t assured – it’s going to be as much as the participant – however it’s largely thought this 12 months’s draft doesn’t fairly have as many gamers who’re NHL prepared on the prime. Lindstrom may have the possibility to impress in camp, however it will even be completely fantastic for him to return to the Western Hockey League, the place Blue Jackets prospects Denton Mateychuk and Stanislav Svozil have shined in recent times.
With the fourth total decide within the 2024 NHL Draft, the Blue Jackets have chosen Drugs Hat (WHL) heart Cayden Lindstrom.
Right here’s what it is best to know in regards to the latest CBJ ahead within the moments after his draft decide.
The Lindstrom file: A giant heart with scoring contact that checks off a whole lot of containers, Lindstrom is coming off a dominant however injury-shortened marketing campaign with Drugs Hat of the Western Hockey League, one of many prime junior leagues in Canada. The 6-3, 213-pounder performed in 32 regular-season video games this previous season for the Tigers and practically posted a purpose per recreation, notching 27 tallies to go together with 19 assists for 46 factors. Ranked No. 3 amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting and putting fifth in our consensus ballot, Lindstrom had eight two-goal video games and 16 multipoint video games this 12 months and likewise has skated for Canada at worldwide tournaments.
On the spot evaluation: This appeared just like the almost certainly consequence for the Blue Jackets’ prime draft decide going into the draft, and so it got here to move. For a franchise that has traditionally been on the lookout for top-line facilities, the long run actually appears vibrant with Lindstrom set to pair with 2023 third total decide Adam Fantilli. In an ideal world, the duo shall be a one-two punch to paved the way for years to come back for Columbus down the center. There have been a whole lot of gifted gamers on the desk, however Lindstrom is a scout’s dream given his measurement, offensive skills and penchant for bodily play. There’s some threat – he missed a lot of the second half of this previous season with harm – however he initiatives to be a game-changing participant down the highway.
What do the analysts say? Lindstrom’s capability to play with velocity, rating in numerous methods and produce a bodily presence to the desk has impressed up to now. Hadi Kalakeche of Dobber Prospects notes, “Merely put, Lindstrom is that this draft’s marquee energy ahead,” whereas The Hockey Information’ Tony Ferrari says, “There isn’t one other participant who brings the bodily traits that Lindstrom has within the draft once you incorporate the offensive ability he has as nicely.” Chris Peters of FloHockey initiatives Lindstrom as a “top-of-the-lineup winger or strong No. 2 heart,” whereas Ferrari notes he can rating with a “filthy” shot or by utilizing his ability on the entrance of the online in site visitors. Ferrari additionally notes Lindstrom performs with a imply streak each with the puck and with out out, noting he goes at defenders “attacking downhill like an NFL operating again seeking to truck his opponent.”
Get to know him: A member of the Driftpile Cree Nation, Lindstrom hails from tiny Chetwynd, British Columbia, a city of round 2,500 folks situated within the northeast portion of the province a couple of 12-hour drive northeast of Vancouver. Additionally a soccer and baseball participant rising up, Lindstrom moved to Vancouver on the age of 14 to pursue his hockey dream, working with the Delta Hockey Academy program to extend his abilities. It actually paid off, as Lindstrom headed to the WHL from there and has made a number of appearances for Crew Canada in his age group. He’s fairly an athlete, as he ran a 4.38 second 40-meter sprint throughout coaching this previous offseason, and he can juggle.
What’s subsequent? Lindstrom will get the possibility to see Columbus – and The fifth Line – when he heads to the Blue Jackets’ annual improvement camp on the OhioHealth Ice Haus subsequent week. From there, the event path isn’t assured – it’s going to be as much as the participant – however it’s largely thought this 12 months’s draft doesn’t fairly have as many gamers who’re NHL prepared on the prime. Lindstrom may have the possibility to impress in camp, however it will even be completely fantastic for him to return to the Western Hockey League, the place Blue Jackets prospects Denton Mateychuk and Stanislav Svozil have shined in recent times.
With the fourth total decide within the 2024 NHL Draft, the Blue Jackets have chosen Drugs Hat (WHL) heart Cayden Lindstrom.
Right here’s what it is best to know in regards to the latest CBJ ahead within the moments after his draft decide.
The Lindstrom file: A giant heart with scoring contact that checks off a whole lot of containers, Lindstrom is coming off a dominant however injury-shortened marketing campaign with Drugs Hat of the Western Hockey League, one of many prime junior leagues in Canada. The 6-3, 213-pounder performed in 32 regular-season video games this previous season for the Tigers and practically posted a purpose per recreation, notching 27 tallies to go together with 19 assists for 46 factors. Ranked No. 3 amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting and putting fifth in our consensus ballot, Lindstrom had eight two-goal video games and 16 multipoint video games this 12 months and likewise has skated for Canada at worldwide tournaments.
On the spot evaluation: This appeared just like the almost certainly consequence for the Blue Jackets’ prime draft decide going into the draft, and so it got here to move. For a franchise that has traditionally been on the lookout for top-line facilities, the long run actually appears vibrant with Lindstrom set to pair with 2023 third total decide Adam Fantilli. In an ideal world, the duo shall be a one-two punch to paved the way for years to come back for Columbus down the center. There have been a whole lot of gifted gamers on the desk, however Lindstrom is a scout’s dream given his measurement, offensive skills and penchant for bodily play. There’s some threat – he missed a lot of the second half of this previous season with harm – however he initiatives to be a game-changing participant down the highway.
What do the analysts say? Lindstrom’s capability to play with velocity, rating in numerous methods and produce a bodily presence to the desk has impressed up to now. Hadi Kalakeche of Dobber Prospects notes, “Merely put, Lindstrom is that this draft’s marquee energy ahead,” whereas The Hockey Information’ Tony Ferrari says, “There isn’t one other participant who brings the bodily traits that Lindstrom has within the draft once you incorporate the offensive ability he has as nicely.” Chris Peters of FloHockey initiatives Lindstrom as a “top-of-the-lineup winger or strong No. 2 heart,” whereas Ferrari notes he can rating with a “filthy” shot or by utilizing his ability on the entrance of the online in site visitors. Ferrari additionally notes Lindstrom performs with a imply streak each with the puck and with out out, noting he goes at defenders “attacking downhill like an NFL operating again seeking to truck his opponent.”
Get to know him: A member of the Driftpile Cree Nation, Lindstrom hails from tiny Chetwynd, British Columbia, a city of round 2,500 folks situated within the northeast portion of the province a couple of 12-hour drive northeast of Vancouver. Additionally a soccer and baseball participant rising up, Lindstrom moved to Vancouver on the age of 14 to pursue his hockey dream, working with the Delta Hockey Academy program to extend his abilities. It actually paid off, as Lindstrom headed to the WHL from there and has made a number of appearances for Crew Canada in his age group. He’s fairly an athlete, as he ran a 4.38 second 40-meter sprint throughout coaching this previous offseason, and he can juggle.
What’s subsequent? Lindstrom will get the possibility to see Columbus – and The fifth Line – when he heads to the Blue Jackets’ annual improvement camp on the OhioHealth Ice Haus subsequent week. From there, the event path isn’t assured – it’s going to be as much as the participant – however it’s largely thought this 12 months’s draft doesn’t fairly have as many gamers who’re NHL prepared on the prime. Lindstrom may have the possibility to impress in camp, however it will even be completely fantastic for him to return to the Western Hockey League, the place Blue Jackets prospects Denton Mateychuk and Stanislav Svozil have shined in recent times.
With the fourth total decide within the 2024 NHL Draft, the Blue Jackets have chosen Drugs Hat (WHL) heart Cayden Lindstrom.
Right here’s what it is best to know in regards to the latest CBJ ahead within the moments after his draft decide.
The Lindstrom file: A giant heart with scoring contact that checks off a whole lot of containers, Lindstrom is coming off a dominant however injury-shortened marketing campaign with Drugs Hat of the Western Hockey League, one of many prime junior leagues in Canada. The 6-3, 213-pounder performed in 32 regular-season video games this previous season for the Tigers and practically posted a purpose per recreation, notching 27 tallies to go together with 19 assists for 46 factors. Ranked No. 3 amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting and putting fifth in our consensus ballot, Lindstrom had eight two-goal video games and 16 multipoint video games this 12 months and likewise has skated for Canada at worldwide tournaments.
On the spot evaluation: This appeared just like the almost certainly consequence for the Blue Jackets’ prime draft decide going into the draft, and so it got here to move. For a franchise that has traditionally been on the lookout for top-line facilities, the long run actually appears vibrant with Lindstrom set to pair with 2023 third total decide Adam Fantilli. In an ideal world, the duo shall be a one-two punch to paved the way for years to come back for Columbus down the center. There have been a whole lot of gifted gamers on the desk, however Lindstrom is a scout’s dream given his measurement, offensive skills and penchant for bodily play. There’s some threat – he missed a lot of the second half of this previous season with harm – however he initiatives to be a game-changing participant down the highway.
What do the analysts say? Lindstrom’s capability to play with velocity, rating in numerous methods and produce a bodily presence to the desk has impressed up to now. Hadi Kalakeche of Dobber Prospects notes, “Merely put, Lindstrom is that this draft’s marquee energy ahead,” whereas The Hockey Information’ Tony Ferrari says, “There isn’t one other participant who brings the bodily traits that Lindstrom has within the draft once you incorporate the offensive ability he has as nicely.” Chris Peters of FloHockey initiatives Lindstrom as a “top-of-the-lineup winger or strong No. 2 heart,” whereas Ferrari notes he can rating with a “filthy” shot or by utilizing his ability on the entrance of the online in site visitors. Ferrari additionally notes Lindstrom performs with a imply streak each with the puck and with out out, noting he goes at defenders “attacking downhill like an NFL operating again seeking to truck his opponent.”
Get to know him: A member of the Driftpile Cree Nation, Lindstrom hails from tiny Chetwynd, British Columbia, a city of round 2,500 folks situated within the northeast portion of the province a couple of 12-hour drive northeast of Vancouver. Additionally a soccer and baseball participant rising up, Lindstrom moved to Vancouver on the age of 14 to pursue his hockey dream, working with the Delta Hockey Academy program to extend his abilities. It actually paid off, as Lindstrom headed to the WHL from there and has made a number of appearances for Crew Canada in his age group. He’s fairly an athlete, as he ran a 4.38 second 40-meter sprint throughout coaching this previous offseason, and he can juggle.
What’s subsequent? Lindstrom will get the possibility to see Columbus – and The fifth Line – when he heads to the Blue Jackets’ annual improvement camp on the OhioHealth Ice Haus subsequent week. From there, the event path isn’t assured – it’s going to be as much as the participant – however it’s largely thought this 12 months’s draft doesn’t fairly have as many gamers who’re NHL prepared on the prime. Lindstrom may have the possibility to impress in camp, however it will even be completely fantastic for him to return to the Western Hockey League, the place Blue Jackets prospects Denton Mateychuk and Stanislav Svozil have shined in recent times.
With the fourth total decide within the 2024 NHL Draft, the Blue Jackets have chosen Drugs Hat (WHL) heart Cayden Lindstrom.
Right here’s what it is best to know in regards to the latest CBJ ahead within the moments after his draft decide.
The Lindstrom file: A giant heart with scoring contact that checks off a whole lot of containers, Lindstrom is coming off a dominant however injury-shortened marketing campaign with Drugs Hat of the Western Hockey League, one of many prime junior leagues in Canada. The 6-3, 213-pounder performed in 32 regular-season video games this previous season for the Tigers and practically posted a purpose per recreation, notching 27 tallies to go together with 19 assists for 46 factors. Ranked No. 3 amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting and putting fifth in our consensus ballot, Lindstrom had eight two-goal video games and 16 multipoint video games this 12 months and likewise has skated for Canada at worldwide tournaments.
On the spot evaluation: This appeared just like the almost certainly consequence for the Blue Jackets’ prime draft decide going into the draft, and so it got here to move. For a franchise that has traditionally been on the lookout for top-line facilities, the long run actually appears vibrant with Lindstrom set to pair with 2023 third total decide Adam Fantilli. In an ideal world, the duo shall be a one-two punch to paved the way for years to come back for Columbus down the center. There have been a whole lot of gifted gamers on the desk, however Lindstrom is a scout’s dream given his measurement, offensive skills and penchant for bodily play. There’s some threat – he missed a lot of the second half of this previous season with harm – however he initiatives to be a game-changing participant down the highway.
What do the analysts say? Lindstrom’s capability to play with velocity, rating in numerous methods and produce a bodily presence to the desk has impressed up to now. Hadi Kalakeche of Dobber Prospects notes, “Merely put, Lindstrom is that this draft’s marquee energy ahead,” whereas The Hockey Information’ Tony Ferrari says, “There isn’t one other participant who brings the bodily traits that Lindstrom has within the draft once you incorporate the offensive ability he has as nicely.” Chris Peters of FloHockey initiatives Lindstrom as a “top-of-the-lineup winger or strong No. 2 heart,” whereas Ferrari notes he can rating with a “filthy” shot or by utilizing his ability on the entrance of the online in site visitors. Ferrari additionally notes Lindstrom performs with a imply streak each with the puck and with out out, noting he goes at defenders “attacking downhill like an NFL operating again seeking to truck his opponent.”
Get to know him: A member of the Driftpile Cree Nation, Lindstrom hails from tiny Chetwynd, British Columbia, a city of round 2,500 folks situated within the northeast portion of the province a couple of 12-hour drive northeast of Vancouver. Additionally a soccer and baseball participant rising up, Lindstrom moved to Vancouver on the age of 14 to pursue his hockey dream, working with the Delta Hockey Academy program to extend his abilities. It actually paid off, as Lindstrom headed to the WHL from there and has made a number of appearances for Crew Canada in his age group. He’s fairly an athlete, as he ran a 4.38 second 40-meter sprint throughout coaching this previous offseason, and he can juggle.
What’s subsequent? Lindstrom will get the possibility to see Columbus – and The fifth Line – when he heads to the Blue Jackets’ annual improvement camp on the OhioHealth Ice Haus subsequent week. From there, the event path isn’t assured – it’s going to be as much as the participant – however it’s largely thought this 12 months’s draft doesn’t fairly have as many gamers who’re NHL prepared on the prime. Lindstrom may have the possibility to impress in camp, however it will even be completely fantastic for him to return to the Western Hockey League, the place Blue Jackets prospects Denton Mateychuk and Stanislav Svozil have shined in recent times.
With the fourth total decide within the 2024 NHL Draft, the Blue Jackets have chosen Drugs Hat (WHL) heart Cayden Lindstrom.
Right here’s what it is best to know in regards to the latest CBJ ahead within the moments after his draft decide.
The Lindstrom file: A giant heart with scoring contact that checks off a whole lot of containers, Lindstrom is coming off a dominant however injury-shortened marketing campaign with Drugs Hat of the Western Hockey League, one of many prime junior leagues in Canada. The 6-3, 213-pounder performed in 32 regular-season video games this previous season for the Tigers and practically posted a purpose per recreation, notching 27 tallies to go together with 19 assists for 46 factors. Ranked No. 3 amongst North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting and putting fifth in our consensus ballot, Lindstrom had eight two-goal video games and 16 multipoint video games this 12 months and likewise has skated for Canada at worldwide tournaments.
On the spot evaluation: This appeared just like the almost certainly consequence for the Blue Jackets’ prime draft decide going into the draft, and so it got here to move. For a franchise that has traditionally been on the lookout for top-line facilities, the long run actually appears vibrant with Lindstrom set to pair with 2023 third total decide Adam Fantilli. In an ideal world, the duo shall be a one-two punch to paved the way for years to come back for Columbus down the center. There have been a whole lot of gifted gamers on the desk, however Lindstrom is a scout’s dream given his measurement, offensive skills and penchant for bodily play. There’s some threat – he missed a lot of the second half of this previous season with harm – however he initiatives to be a game-changing participant down the highway.
What do the analysts say? Lindstrom’s capability to play with velocity, rating in numerous methods and produce a bodily presence to the desk has impressed up to now. Hadi Kalakeche of Dobber Prospects notes, “Merely put, Lindstrom is that this draft’s marquee energy ahead,” whereas The Hockey Information’ Tony Ferrari says, “There isn’t one other participant who brings the bodily traits that Lindstrom has within the draft once you incorporate the offensive ability he has as nicely.” Chris Peters of FloHockey initiatives Lindstrom as a “top-of-the-lineup winger or strong No. 2 heart,” whereas Ferrari notes he can rating with a “filthy” shot or by utilizing his ability on the entrance of the online in site visitors. Ferrari additionally notes Lindstrom performs with a imply streak each with the puck and with out out, noting he goes at defenders “attacking downhill like an NFL operating again seeking to truck his opponent.”
Get to know him: A member of the Driftpile Cree Nation, Lindstrom hails from tiny Chetwynd, British Columbia, a city of round 2,500 folks situated within the northeast portion of the province a couple of 12-hour drive northeast of Vancouver. Additionally a soccer and baseball participant rising up, Lindstrom moved to Vancouver on the age of 14 to pursue his hockey dream, working with the Delta Hockey Academy program to extend his abilities. It actually paid off, as Lindstrom headed to the WHL from there and has made a number of appearances for Crew Canada in his age group. He’s fairly an athlete, as he ran a 4.38 second 40-meter sprint throughout coaching this previous offseason, and he can juggle.
What’s subsequent? Lindstrom will get the possibility to see Columbus – and The fifth Line – when he heads to the Blue Jackets’ annual improvement camp on the OhioHealth Ice Haus subsequent week. From there, the event path isn’t assured – it’s going to be as much as the participant – however it’s largely thought this 12 months’s draft doesn’t fairly have as many gamers who’re NHL prepared on the prime. Lindstrom may have the possibility to impress in camp, however it will even be completely fantastic for him to return to the Western Hockey League, the place Blue Jackets prospects Denton Mateychuk and Stanislav Svozil have shined in recent times.