Photo by Larry Brunt/WHL
2024 NHL Draft Profile: Cayden Lindstrom
The WHL is set to play a significant role in this year's 2024 NHL Draft. 57 players were included on NHL Central Scouting's final rankings, with a handful expected to be drafted in the first round. Today's draft profile is of Medicine Hat Tigers' Cayden Lindstrom, who enters the draft as the third-ranked North American Skater.
Lindstrom is the WHL's top-ranked prospect heading into the draft, and for good reason. Listed at 6'3", 213 pounds, he has developed into an elite power forward who can play a solid two-way game. A player with very few flaws, he has the potential to be a star at the NHL level.
Picking Lindstrom's best attribute is difficult because he excels in so many different areas, but the way he uses his size to his advantage really stands out. He can protect the puck from defenders as well as anyone in the league and is able to drive the net with authority. Lindstrom also uses his size to dish out hits, as well as win puck battles along the boards.
In the offensive zone, Lindstrom's best asset is his shot. With 27 goals in 32 games this season, he was able to beat goaltenders from all over the ice. Teams learned quickly this season not to give Lindstrom opportunities in the slot or near the crease, as it often led to opposing goaltenders fishing pucks out of their net.
Lindstrom is a player who loves to have the puck on his stick. He is an excellent playdriver and elects to carry the puck himself into the offensive zone in the transition game. Lindstrom is also an underrated playmaker, as he can find open teammates in scoring positions with tape-to-tape passes.
The biggest question with Lindstrom is how his back injury will impact him next season and beyond. Lindstrom missed significant time with a disc herniation, which limited the number of times scouts could come out and see him play. The good news is Lindstrom looked like himself in the playoffs and, with a summer of rest and rehabilitation, should be back to his almost goal-per-game self in 2024-25.
Lindstrom is going to be one of the first players taken in this year's draft. Based on mock drafts, he is projected to be a top-five pick and should be the first WHLer taken in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. As mentioned, Lindstrom has the potential to be a star in the NHL if he is allowed to develop properly. Ultimately, he is a can't-miss prospect who should light up not just the WHL but also the NHL in the future.
Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
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