Cayden Lindstrom's combination of size, skill, and upside, just make him too good to overlook.
1. (1) C Cayden Lindstrom 6'4", 214 pounds. 1st round (#4 overall), 2024 NHL Draft. NHL projection: top two line two-way center. Stats: N/A, Cayden missed the entire season and only played 4 WHL playoff games for the Medicine Hat Tigers. He will play for Michigan State University this fall. How we ranked him: Curtis (1), Matt (1), Mike (3).
Why we ranked him here: No player in this system matches Cayden's overall upside. In fact, in my opinion: in franchise history, only Adam Fantilli and Rick Nash match or exceed his potential. Cayden checks every single box for what you look for in a top line center. He's 6'4", and is already built like an NHL veteran.
He's one of the best skaters in the organization, with surprising quickness and agility for a player his size. He's dogged on the puck, willing and able to impose his physical dominance on the opposition on both sides of the puck. He works hard and already excels at a lot of the little things on the ice. Cayden is the kind of player that, when he wants to, can absolutely take over a game. He can play and excel in any style of hockey.
The only problem: that dang back injury. He has missed a lot of hockey over the last two years, so I am genuinely concerned about his development and ability to play hockey long into the future. That said, heading to the NCAA is a blessing for Lindstrom and the Blue Jackets. He'll benefit from the excellent workout facilities and lighter game schedule at MSU.
Hopefully, that gets him back on track. Because if he develops and reaches anywhere near his ceiling, the Blue Jackets are going to have one of the best 1-2 center tandems in the entire NHL. There isn't a team out there that would want to match up against a team rolling out Adam Fantilli and Cayden Lindstrom on their top two lines.
The future is definitely brighter in Columbus. There are a lot of players to keep an eye on within this system, and it feels like they are getting proper development for the first time in this franchise's existence. We're excited, and hopeful that this team is setting itself up for long-term success!
We will be keeping a close eye on every prospect within the system throughout the year. Stay tuned to our site and social media channels, where we plan to have plenty of year-round prospect coverage.