2024 NHL Draft Spotlight, Brought to You by Upper Deck: Cayden Lindstrom

Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said after the draft that they had one name after Macklin Celebrini, and that name was Cayden Lindstrom. 

Waddell was open for business, however. But even though he had multiple trade offers from other teams wanting the 4th pick, once they got to four and Lindstrom was still on the board, they knew they had their man. 

Lindstrom comes in at 6-foot-3, 213 lbs, and is a powerful skater. Columbus made this pick for a few reasons and his power is one of them. Another reason is that he is something that the franchise has craved for over two decades - A talented center.

Rick Nash, the franchise's most accomplished forward sees a bit of himself in Lindstrom. In an interview with NHL.com Nash was asked just that, if Lindstrom reminded him of his younger self? Nash said "Probably. I don't know.” “He seems to have maybe a little bit more of a powerful stride and a great shot." It's never a bad thing when a player who has his name in the rafters of Nationwide Arena gives you compliments. 

Fans are salivating at the prospect of watching a Fantilli-Lindstrom one-two punch at center for the next decade. Chances are though, you'll have to wait a year or two to see it. Although Lindstrom has said that his goal is to make the Jackets out of training camp, one can't help but see the parallels between him and former Blue Jacket center Pierre-Luc Dubois. Dubois was the 3rd overall pick in 2016 out of Cape Breton in the QMJHL. After the draft, he was sent back to Cape Breton for one more year before turning pro. He then came to Columbus in 2017, played 82 games, and had 48 points. He set the CBJ rookie record for goals and points in a rookie season. 

Lindstrom going back to Medicine Hat for his fourth and final year is the ideal plan for the young Canadian. Remember, due to injuries he only played in 32 games last season. He did have 46 points though, and that is why his draft stock was so high. Teams recognized his size and skill. "I for sure want to use my speed and size to an advantage and use it in every situation I can," Lindstrom said in an interview with NHL.com.

The Jackets held their annual development camp during the first week of July. Lindstrom was on the ice for limited drills as a precaution due to a back issue, but he was working out in other ways. He said in an interview he expects to be 100% by mid-July.

Cayden Lindstrom's now a part of one of the most talented prospect pools in the NHL. Lindstrom joins Adam Fantilli, Jordan Dumais, Denton Mateychuk, David Jiříček, and several others as the crop of prospects looking to take Columbus to the promised land. 

Collect trading cards of your favorite hockey players at any time and anywhere with Upper Deck e-Pack! Grow your collection by opening packs and trading with others. Unlock exclusive achievements like Connor Bedard parallels available in Series Two product available now on UpperDeckEpack.com.