BREAKING: Montreal Canadiens Now Identifies Prime Target for 2024 NHL Draft
The Montreal Canadiens have their eyes set on several potential picks for the upcoming 2024 NHL Draft, but one standout candidate is Cayden Lindstrom.
When NHL betting odds suggested a bottom-five finish for the Canadiens this season, speculation surrounding their first pick intensified. Who would be the prize after enduring a challenging third season?
While landing the top spot in the NHL Draft Lottery and choosing Macklin Celebrini would undoubtedly transform the franchise, if circumstances remain unchanged and the Canadiens pick 5th or 6th overall, few players align with the team’s needs as well as Cayden Lindstrom.
At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Lindstrom is a formidable physical presence on the ice, known for his power-forward style of play. Despite his season being cut short due to a broken hand followed by a back injury, his impressive performance in the WHL garnered attention, solidifying him as one of the Canadiens’ top prospects leading up to the draft.
Montreal Hockey Now recently conducted an interview with the 18-year-old forward, discussing his evolving game, current health status, and thoughts on the prospect of playing for the Montreal Canadiens in the future.
Tailor-Made
During his exit interview last week, general manager Kent Hughes openly acknowledged his team’s current deficiency in both scoring prowess and physical presence, crucial attributes needed to contend with the NHL’s elite teams.
Enter Cayden Lindstrom.
In describing his key qualities, Lindstrom emphasized his adeptness at scoring goals, his physical style of play, and his high level of competitiveness. He expressed a preference for driving to the net and utilizing his size to disrupt opponents in critical areas.
Lindstrom’s impressive statistics speak volumes about his goal-scoring prowess, having tallied 27 goals and 19 assists for 46 points in just 32 games this season. His combination of size and speed enables him to navigate open spaces effortlessly, unleashing his powerful shot with ease.
Cayden Lindstrom has been on a HEATER of late!
The #2024NHLDraft prospect has all of the physical tools you could ask for from a center and the production has been unreal!
17 points on a 10-game point streak, 42 points in 30 on the year for @tigershockey! pic.twitter.com/8fAmJ3k97Q
— Tony Ferrari (@theTonyFerrari) December 14, 2023
Despite his already formidable skill set, Lindstrom remains focused on refining his game further, particularly in terms of shooting accuracy and deceiving goaltenders with angle changes and fakes. He acknowledges the potential for improvement in these areas to enhance his scoring ability and create opportunities for his teammates.
Moreover, Lindstrom aspires to demonstrate versatility beyond being a traditional power-forward, aiming to showcase his playmaking capabilities and contribute to a more well-rounded game. He recognizes the success of his partnership with Andrew Basha, where Basha assumed the playmaker role while Lindstrom capitalized as the finisher, but he believes he can excel in setting up plays as well.
Looking ahead, Lindstrom aims to adopt a more methodical approach to his game, focusing on strategic entries into the offensive zone to generate scoring opportunities rather than solely relying on his speed.
While Lindstrom’s potential as a top-six player in the NHL is undeniable, some may question the significance of his performance in a shortened season. However, his unique skill set and continuous improvement suggest that he could become a formidable asset for any team willing to invest in his development.
Stronger, Better, Faster
Lindstrom’s promising season faced setbacks due to two separate injuries—an injury to his right hand and another to his back—limiting his participation to just 32 games. Although he managed to return for the WHL playoffs, where his team, Medicine Hat, was eliminated by the Red Deer Rebels in five games, he opted out of representing Canada at the IIHF U-18 World Championships to prioritize his recovery.
The decision to end his season prematurely raised concerns in the hockey community, particularly regarding his absence from the U-18 tournament, which serves as a crucial platform for top prospects to solidify their draft status. However, for Lindstrom and his team, the focus was on making the best long-term decision for his health and career trajectory.
Lindstrom himself expressed confidence in his current health status, emphasizing his dedication to rehabilitation and preparation for upcoming events such as the NHL combine and the next season. Despite the three-month hiatus from play, he is committed to regaining peak fitness and strength before intensifying training in the summer.
Regarding Lindstrom’s health, his agent, Daren Hermiston, clarified that the back injury, although common among athletes, did not necessitate surgery. The decision to end Lindstrom’s season early was precautionary, prioritizing his long-term well-being over short-term gains.
While Lindstrom remains a highly touted prospect expected to be drafted within the first few picks in the 2024 NHL Draft, some speculate that his injuries and reduced playing time could potentially lower his draft stock. However, this situation could work to the advantage of teams like Montreal, as Lindstrom might still be available at fifth overall, while other clubs prioritize selecting from the pool of available defensemen.
Cayden Lindstrom is back!!@tigershockey | #NHLDraft | #WHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/hYs9ozuJNJ
— The WHL (@TheWHL) March 31, 2024
A Clear Target for the Montreal Canadiens
With the Montreal Canadiens currently holding the 5th-best odds in the NHL Draft Lottery, the possibility of Cayden Lindstrom joining the club is becoming increasingly plausible. Despite the potential of securing the 1st overall pick for the second time in three drafts, Lindstrom could emerge as a realistic target for the Canadiens.
When asked about the prospect of being drafted by Montreal at the 2024 NHL Draft, Lindstrom expressed genuine enthusiasm. His face lit up as he shared his excitement, stating his desire to thrive in the high-pressure environment that Montreal offers. He sees it as an opportunity to succeed and considers it an honor to be considered by such a prestigious franchise.
Lindstrom appears unfazed by the unique aspects of the Montreal market, such as the passionate fan base and intense media scrutiny. Instead, he views the pressure as a catalyst for his performance on the ice. He believes in making the right plays, emphasizing that contributing to victories through small yet impactful actions, whether it’s a crucial goal, a decisive hit, or a well-timed pass, is what truly matters.
The prospect of playing in a market like Montreal holds a special appeal for Lindstrom, reflecting his understanding of the importance of thriving in such an environment. This quality is highly valued by Kent Hughes and the Canadiens organization, underscoring Lindstrom’s potential as a valuable asset to the team.
BRING ON THE BEARS!
Cayden Lindstrom gets the Teddy Bear Toss goal 1:14 into the first period!@tigershockey pic.twitter.com/1LzUlRQ4Su
— The WHL (@TheWHL) December 3, 2023
Wait And See
As the anticipation builds for the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery and the subsequent draft day on June 28, all eyes are on how the draft board will unfold when the Montreal Canadiens step up to the podium.
Reports have indicated that Cayden Lindstrom has been in contact with Montreal Canadiens scouts throughout the season, a detail that aligns with the team’s organizational needs and Lindstrom’s impressive profile as a prospect.
Barring a lottery win that secures the top pick, if Lindstrom remains available when the Canadiens make their selection on draft day, he is poised to be among their top targets. With his combination of skills, physicality, and potential to thrive in the high-pressure environment of a market like Montreal, Lindstrom could be an ideal fit for the team as they look to bolster their roster for the future.