Cayden Lindstrom a Prime Draft Target for the Montreal Canadiens

Stronger, Better, Faster

Lindstrom’s season was cut short by two independent injuries, one to his right hand and another to his back; limiting the 18-year-old to just 32 games this season. He was able to return for the WHL playoffs, where Medicine Hat was eliminated in five games by the Red Deer Rebels, but then ultimately refused an invite to represent Canada and at the IIHF U-18 World Championships to recover from his injuries.

Shutting down his season created some concern across the hockey world, as the U-18s are an important stage for top prospects to cement their status right before the NHL Draft.

But, for Lindstrom’s camp, it was about making the right decision long-term.

“I feel good right now,” said Lindstrom about his health. “I was just at the gym and doing physio. I’m training hard and preparing for the NHL combine and next season. I wasn’t playing for three months, so I’m just trying to get back to that level of fitness and strength before we kick it up a notch this summer.”

When asked about Lindstrom’s health, agent Daren Hermiston confirmed that the back injury suffered by the young power-forward was a very common injury for sports athletes and didn’t require surgery. He confirmed that the decision to shut down Lindstrom’s season was purely from a precautionary standpoint.

With Lindstrom a lock to go within the first handful of selections in the 2024 NHL Draft, it can be argued that the benefit of improving his draft stock was heavily outweighed by the risk of aggravating an injury.

In fact, one could argue that it could play in Montreal’s favour, as Lindstrom could ultimately still be on the board at fifth overall, while other clubs look to stock up on the plethora of available defencemen instead.

A Clear Target for the Montreal Canadiens

The Montreal Canadiens have the 5th-best odds at the NHL Draft Lottery at the moment, and, notwithstanding picking 1st overall for the second time in three drafts, he could be a very realistic target for the club.

When asked how he felt about the possibility of being selected by Montreal at the 2024 NHL Draft, Lindstrom didn’t hesitate for a second.

“I love it,” said Lindstrom with a big grin. “I want to play in an environment like that. The pressure, the excitement and all that- it’s something I would definitely see myself succeeding in and it would be an honour to be drafted by them.”

When pressed about the unique aspects of the market, like the passionate fan base or the heavy attention from media outlets, Lindstrom seemed at ease with the idea.

For Lindstrom, the pressure is seemingly fuel for his game; and making the right play, not necessarily the biggest play, is what will help him win over a rabid market like Montreal.

“When the game is on the line and you need a big goal, I want to be on the ice to help make it happen,” said Lindstrom regarding the pressure of winning in a passionate market. “And if I can’t be the one to score, I want to contribute to that victory in any other way I can. With a big hit, a timely block or an unselfish pass. You make the little plays that lead to the big plays.”

Being able to play in a market like Montreal is a unique quality amongst youngsters and something that Kent Hughes and his team value greatly.

Wait And See

It’s now just a matter of time to see how the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery plays out and what the board looks like when the Canadiens step up to the podium on June 28.

It has been previously reported that Lindstrom has met with Montreal Canadiens scouts throughout the season, which isn’t all that surprising, given their organizational needs and the profile that Lindstrom has.

One thing is for sure: Outside of a lottery win, if Cayden Lindstrom is still on the board at that time when Montreal selects on Draft Day, he’ll likely be right up there on their list of prime targets.