BREAKING: Prime Draft Target For The Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens have several potential options for their first pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, but Cayden Lindstrom stands out as an excellent fit. Despite initial doubts about the team’s performance this season, anticipation for their draft choice intensified. While selecting Macklin Celebrini through the NHL Draft Lottery could significantly change the team’s trajectory, if they end up picking 5th or 6th overall, Lindstrom appears to be a strong contender.
With a height of 6-foot-3 and a weight of 210 pounds, Lindstrom, a robust power forward, climbed the rankings during the WHL season, displaying promising performance until sidelined by injuries. Many speculate that he could be a primary target for the Canadiens in the upcoming draft.
In a recent interview with Montreal Hockey Now, the 18-year-old forward discussed his evolving game, his current health, and his thoughts on the possibility of joining the Montreal Canadiens in the future.
Tailor-Made
In a recent interview upon his departure, general manager Kent Hughes acknowledged his team’s current deficiencies in scoring prowess and physical presence compared to the NHL’s elite.
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
Then comes Cayden Lindstrom.
Lindstrom himself describes his standout qualities as his knack for scoring goals, physicality, and unwavering competitiveness. He emphasizes his strategy of driving towards the net, leveraging his size to disrupt opponents in critical areas.
His impressive season stats—27 goals, 19 assists, totaling 46 points in just 32 games—underscore his prowess as a goal-scorer, utilizing his blend of size and speed to find open spaces and unleash powerful shots.
Acknowledging his room for improvement, Lindstrom aims to refine his shooting technique, focusing on altering angles and outmaneuvering goalies to further elevate his scoring potential and create opportunities for teammates.
Yet, Lindstrom aspires to transcend the label of a mere power-forward, aspiring to exhibit a more diverse skill set that integrates physicality with playmaking ability. He highlights his desire to contribute more to setting up plays, shifting from a sole focus on scoring to a more methodical approach in generating offensive opportunities.
His evolving game suggests a willingness to adapt and refine his style beyond sheer speed, with a focus on strategic entries into the offensive zone to orchestrate plays effectively.
Lindstrom’s profile presents a unique prospect in the 2024 NHL Draft, showcasing the potential to become a formidable top-six player with continued development. However, questions linger about the limited sample size of games this season and how teams may perceive his potential in light of this.
Stronger, Better, Faster
Lindstrom had his season interrupted by two separate injuries, one to his right hand and another to his back, restricting him to only 32 games. Although he managed to return for the WHL playoffs, where his team was eliminated, he opted out of representing Canada in the IIHF U-18 World Championships to focus on recovering from his injuries.
Cayden Lindstrom is back!!@tigershockey | #NHLDraft | #WHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/hYs9ozuJNJ
— The WHL (@TheWHL) March 31, 2024
The decision to end his season early raised concerns within the hockey community, as the U-18 tournament is crucial for prospects ahead of the NHL Draft. However, Lindstrom and his team prioritized his long-term well-being.
Lindstrom expressed confidence in his current health status, stating that he’s undergoing rigorous training to prepare for the NHL combine and the upcoming season. His agent, Daren Hermiston, confirmed that Lindstrom’s back injury, though common among athletes, didn’t require surgery, and the decision to halt his season was purely precautionary.
Considering Lindstrom’s projected high draft position, it’s argued that the potential benefit of boosting his draft stock was outweighed by the risk of aggravating his injury. This decision might even work in favor of Montreal, as Lindstrom could still be available for selection at fifth overall, while other teams focus on drafting defensemen.
A Clear Target for the Montreal Canadiens
“The Montreal Canadiens currently hold the fifth-best odds in the NHL Draft Lottery, and despite the potential of landing the first overall pick for the second time in three drafts, they view Lindstrom as a viable target for their 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
When asked about the prospect of joining Montreal at the 2024 NHL Draft, Lindstrom didn’t hesitate to express his enthusiasm. “I’m all for it,” Lindstrom said with a wide smile. “I thrive in that kind of environment. The pressure, the excitement—it’s where I see myself excelling, and it would be a privilege to be drafted by them.”
Addressing the unique aspects of the Montreal market, such as the fervent fan base and intense media attention, Lindstrom appeared comfortable with the idea. For him, pressure serves as motivation for his performance on the ice, with a focus on making impactful plays rather than just flashy ones, especially in a passionate market like Montreal.
“When the game is on the line and a crucial goal is needed, I want to be out there making it happen,” Lindstrom said regarding the pressure of competing in a passionate market. “And if I’m not the one scoring, I aim to contribute in other ways—whether it’s with a key hit, a crucial block, or a selfless pass. It’s about making the small plays that lead to the big moments.”
The ability to thrive in a demanding market like Montreal is a prized quality among young players, one that Kent Hughes and his team highly value.”
Wait And See
The outcome of the 2024 NHL Draft Lottery and the composition of the board will soon be revealed as the Canadiens prepare to make their selection on June 28. Lindstrom’s interactions with Montreal Canadiens scouts during the season, reflecting their team needs and his profile, have been previously noted. It’s evident that unless there’s a lottery victory, Lindstrom is expected to be a top priority for Montreal on Draft Day if he remains available when their turn comes up.