Patience. Oh man, we are tired of hearing that word in Columbus. When it comes to our beloved Blue Jackets, that's the noun that has been thrown at us for our entire fandom. I like to consider myself one of the most patient 5th Liners out there. But, even I have grown short of patience when it comes to the situation surrounding 2024 #4 overall pick Cayden Lindstrom.
The patience wears even more thin when opposing fans get their reward sooner - and then throw it into our faces. We've seen the #5 overall pick (Ivan Demidov) already come into the league and make an impact. My own preference (Zeev Buium) was taken 12th overall; and that's the one that has already begun to sting.
A lot of that could change depending on Lindstrom's development, however. Unfortunately, the back injury that we were assured was a minor thing, continued to be an issue this year; which is why we're short on patience. We were strung along through the summer, all the way into training camp. There was radio silence on his status for much of the season, until we were told that he was heading under the knife for a surgery in November.
At that time, we were told 4-6 weeks before he could begin training. But well into the new year, there continued to be no news on the team's top prospect. Needless to say, we have been very, very concerned. The Jackets needed to hit with this pick. There is simply no excuse for whiffing on a top-five pick at the NHL draft - especially in a year when you wound up trading a recent #6 overall pick because he hasn't developed as hoped.
Finally, tonight, we will get to see Cayden Lindstrom in game action. After showing up at Medicine Hat Tigers practice a few weeks back, seemingly out of nowhere; Lindstrom is confirmed to be entering the lineup in game 1 of the WHL finals, against the Spokane Chiefs. He'll see limited minutes, but it's better than nothing.
Just keep being patient.
There's a reason the Blue Jackets held onto the #4 overall pick last summer, in spite of a rumored package that would have ultimately netted them the #3 overall pick at this year's draft from the Chicago Blackhawks.
At 6'4" and 215 pounds, Lindstrom is the complete package. He's a fantastic skater with electrifying skill and a hard physical edge. In a lot of years, he probably goes first overall at the draft.
Had he been eligible - and healthy - he would surely be the #1 pick this year. In fact, I think he makes a pretty good case for himself to compete with Macklin Celebrini at last summer's draft, if not for that back injury. He is that kind of player.
From that regard, we're lucky that he fell into our laps. Hopefully taking the time to recover correctly will ensure that he has no long-term effects from the injury. But, even with his skill and ability; missing an entire year of development at this age is not good. So, the main goal here should be to get in as many games as he comfortably can. Even if the competition is at its highest level, getting back into game action is very important.
I would expect these to be amongst his final junior hockey games. Next season, Cayden is rumored to be heading to the Michigan State Spartans (NCAA), which might be the best thing for his furthering development. We'll have more thoughts on that in the coming weeks, however. For now, I'm just happy he's hitting the ice.