Cayden Lindstrom, the real «unicorn!» | 2024 NHL Draft Prospect Profile
For the 2024 draft, TSLH Prospects offers you exclusive content prepared following numerous prospect viewings. Between now and the NHL Draft, TSLH will be sharing profiles of NHL prospects, as well as its final rankings of the top prospects in the 2024 Draft.
- French version: Profil de Cayden Lindstrom
Cayden Lindstrom sees his name circulating in quite a few discussions surrounding the top 5 of the 2024 draft. Looking at his ranking in the various lists, a selection among the top five prospects of the draft is not out of the question. At 6’4 and 216 pounds, Lindstrom is the prototype most NHL scouts dream of. A “unicorn” is the term used in NHL prospect circles to describe a profile that combines everything NHL scouts are looking for. Size, physicality, offense, hockey sense… Cayden Lindstrom checks a lot of boxes to earn the “unicorn” label for the 2024 draft.
Lindstrom was injured for quite some time during the season. When he returned for the playoffs, it was clear that he might not be at 100%. His absence from the World Under-18 Championship was one reason explaining why his injury may had not fully recovered. Is this a concern for the draft? Last year, Lindstrom wasn’t injured in the whole season. We’re not talking about history here, but about an injury that simply came at a bad time.
He still ended the season with a similar point total to his rookie year in the WHL. However, it was by playing half as many games that he reached his mid-fourties. Here is the profile of a physical, attacking, creative player whose dedication and hard work are beyond question.
NHL Draft profile – Draft 2024
Cayden Lindstrom is an excellent skater, especially considering his frame. He’s a player who doesn’t hesitate to use his explosion to outflank the defender and then get into the net. Not only does he make good use of his size when maneuvering in this way, but he also maintains a fairly high rate of execution. His overall mobility is quite impressive. He has an excellent shot too, and I find he’s able to unleash it quite briskly. Without having a single elite quality that stands out, Lindstrom’s complete profile can be considered elite.
Tooling up for the playoffs
I like how Lindstrom adjusts well with his range in puck possession. He’ll often keep the puck close to maneuver through opposing sticks, but also thinks to hold the puck away when protecting it. I also think he’s a fine passer. He targets options in the slot if he’s not already there. He’s a big forward who shows a good touch of finesse, but is robust in a way that is rare in draft years. I like his physical involvement and the shoulder shots he distributes. His toolbox is ultra diversified. At the start of the season at Hlinka, I didn’t necessarily fall in love with him because he was stuck in a support role. His offence didn’t stand out much. This was not the case throughout the season. The physical aspect of his game, both in a support role and in a primary offensive role, constantly stands out.
He’s a player I can easily see in a playoff context in the NHL because of his profile. Will he be able to dose well to stay healthy? For me, the injuries he suffered in his draft year are not a factor that detracts from his unique profile. As much as he can be a complement on a first trio, he can also lead an offense on his own. Which version will make it to the NHL? We don’t know yet, but the fact remains that a profile like this is hard to overlook for a top 5 draft pick.
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