Cayden Lindstrom is generating significant buzz as one of the standout prospects for the upcoming 2024 NHL Draft. Players with his unique combination of skills and physical attributes don’t come around often, and when they do, they’re quickly snatched up. While there might be prospects with flashier moves and more creativity at the top of the draft, Lindstrom brings something special to the table. His potential and well-rounded abilities make Lindstrom an enticing prospect, often causing NHL general managers to favor players like him over players with seemingly superior technical skills when presented with the chance.
Lindstrom didn’t exactly come out of nowhere, but not many foresaw the impressive strides he made in his development. Like most 17/18-year-old players, he’s still working on finding consistency in his game. Some nights, Lindstrom turns into an unstoppable force—delivering hard hits, making intentional drives to the net, and playing aggressively along the boards to create a solid barrier between the puck and defenders. On other nights, he adopts a more finesse-oriented style. It’s completely normal for players his age to experiment with different aspects of their game. However, it’s safe to say that most NHL general managers would be looking to draft him based on the first version of his playing style.
Here’s a link to the full video on YouTube where you can watch tons of highlights mixed with my beautiful voice and accent: https://youtu.be/Yhg7aHfhnyw?si=DYjHRoURctLpGDao
Facts
| Age: 17 | Height: 6’4″ |
| Date of Birth: February 03 2006 | Weight: 216 lbs |
| Origin: Canada | Position: C |
| Projection: Top 5 | Shoots: Left |
Skill Grades
Statistics
Skating
Lindstrom’s skating skills are truly remarkable, especially considering his size. While I wouldn’t label them as elite, they’re certainly high-end. His powerful stride allows him to create separation effortlessly and makes it tough for opponents to strip the puck from him when he’s on the move. Whether using his length or skating prowess, Lindstrom excels at maintaining possession and avoiding tricky situations.
In terms of explosiveness, Lindstrom stands out. He can quickly close in on players and disrupt the breakout on the forecheck. Regardless of whether he’s racing from the slot to the boards or racing to keep the play alive, Lindstrom’s powerful stride ensures he doesn’t lose any puck races.
Shifting to his general speed, Lindstrom is a fast skater who doesn’t need much space to hit top speed. With just a few strides, he can achieve impressive velocity, facilitating smooth transitions from defense to offense or skillful maneuvers through the offensive zone. His speed remains consistent whether he has possession or not, and there’s a feeling that he might even pick up the pace when controlling the puck.
His overall skating ability is more than suitable for the NHL, covering not only speed and acceleration but also the pace at which he plays and his agility, especially given his considerable size of 6’4″. Lindstrom isn’t afraid to use quick cuts to disrupt opponents or create space to evade checks. His crossovers are fluid and seamlessly aid in clean puck transitions. To sum it up, Lindstrom is an impressive skater, and his on-ice proficiency is even more notable given his imposing stature.
Hockey Sense
At times, I wonder if hockey sense might be a bit of a stumbling block for Lindstrom, but it’s a tricky thing to gauge accurately, especially with fewer than 10 viewings. It’s not just about the number of times you see him play; it’s also influenced by the team environment. Playing alongside strong players like Basha and McKenna can sometimes compensate for any lapses in decision-making. Plus, being just 17, he might still be leaning heavily on his physical skills to navigate the OHL successfully. That’s why I’ve given him an average grade, as I’m neither overly impressed nor disappointed with his decision-making.
There are instances where he skates himself into trouble, which is a bit unexpected given his size and skating abilities in the OHL. The same goes for his stickhandling; he can make a great move around one player just to get caught up by the next player, resulting in a lost puck.
And every now and then, especially under pressure, he makes some questionable passes—choosing a teammate surrounded by three players instead of making a safer play, like rimming it around or passing back to the blue line. Right now, it seems his hockey instincts haven’t quite caught up with his physical prowess. It kind of reminds me of Season 1 Slafkovsky.
Looking at Slafkovsky’s early games this season, it was clear he needed more time on the ice. Exposure to different scenarios and playing at NHL speed helped him transition from hesitant nights to showing flashes of future stardom. I think Lindstrom could benefit from a similar approach. While the natural speed of execution might not come as easily to him as to some other top prospects, consistent practice and experience can help him get there. Not every prospect needs an exceptionally high hockey sense, and as we explore further, Lindstrom’s playing style looks well-suited for the NHL, coupled with a thoughtful approach that complements his physical strengths.
StickHandling
Lindstrom shows solid stickhandling skills, probably a bit above average, especially for someone of his size. While it might not be his standout strength, he’s effective at keeping the puck within his reach. Whether it’s nestled in his skates or around him, Lindstrom tends to be the one in control.
Over the course of the season, he’s become more confident in his puck handling, trying out different moves. However, he does face occasional challenges, noticeable when he attempts toe drags and other moves and experiences loss in puck control. Nevertheless, he consistently maintains possession when the puck is in close proximity.
It’s important to highlight that Lindstrom doesn’t come across as a natural puck handler, a contrast evident when observing his 15-year-old teammate Gavin McKenna. For McKenna, puck handling is a core element of his game, influencing every shot and pass with skillful moves to navigate through sticks and bodies. In Lindstrom’s case, puck control serves more as a tool to keep the play alive, gain the zone, or protect the puck during cycling or along the boards—reminiscent of elements seen in Slafkovsky’s play.
To sum it up, while Lindstrom’s stickhandling may not grab immediate attention or stand out prominently, its significance is likely to grow as he progresses through the ranks—moving from the AHL to the NHL. This becomes especially crucial in scenarios where he needs to protect the puck or maneuver in tight spaces. I believe Lindstrom has the necessary handling skills to transform into a very good player, particularly around the net and during cycling plays.
Compete
Another crucial factor that makes him a standout prospect for the 2024 NHL draft is the relentless competitiveness and physicality he brings to the game. At 6’4″, Lindstrom not only has the advantage of size but approaches every play with the determination of an underdog, treating each moment as a potential game-changer. There’s a distinct intensity in his play, and he consistently shows a willingness to give his all.
While he may not be overly physical given his size, Lindstrom occasionally surprises with impactful hits, suggesting that his aggression may develop further with time. Currently, his physicality is more focused on key aspects, such as screening goalies and winning position battles in front of the net during every shift. This dedication becomes especially evident in the shooting section of the video, where he positions himself meticulously, always ready to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Lindstrom’s use of his body to shield the puck while waiting for a strategic play is another highlight of his physical prowess. Whether along the boards or during zone entries, defenders find it challenging to wrestle possession from him. Lindstrom’s relentless work ethic shines through, and as mentioned earlier, his ability to maintain possession, even when facing multiple defenders, underscores his handling skills and determination.
What truly sets him apart is his unwavering will, competitive spirit, and the mindset of a physical force that can be both disruptive and challenging for opponents. Even in the worst-case scenario for his development, Lindstrom can rely on his size, skating ability, and competitive edge to make a mark in the NHL.
Passing
To be honest, passing is probably the aspect of Lindstrom’s game that I appreciate the least. It’s not terrible, but in my opinion, it’s the weakest element. There’s a bit of a lack of creativity, and he tends to lean towards the same cutback and pass play on almost every rush, without much variation. Even on the power play, Mckenna takes charge of the distribution work and creating space for others, with Lindstrom consistently positioned to the left of the net, waiting for the Mckenna pass to execute his power move for a close-range shot.
In a previous video, I mentioned that although Greentree might not come across as a top playmaker at the moment, I wouldn’t be surprised if he developed into one given his inherent abilities and game sense. However, I can’t say the same for Lindstrom. It would be somewhat surprising if he evolved into a highly proficient playmaker.
Despite this sounding a bit negative, it’s not meant as harsh criticism. It’s more of an observation of where his game stands currently. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t make nice plays every now and then, because he definitely does.
And it’s not suggesting that passing is a glaring weakness that urgently needs attention. It’s just that, at least for now, I think Lindstrom’s skills are better suited for a finisher and chaos creator.
Interestingly, I had a similar perspective on Slafkovsky in his draft year, noting several similarities between the two players. While I considered Slafkovsky a better playmaker at that stage than Lindstrom is currently, I never envisioned him turning into a play-driving playmaker. The future holds uncertainties, and just like with Slafkovsky, Lindstrom’s potential might bring unexpected surprises, combining finishing skills with an evolved playing style.
Shooting
Now, let’s talk about Lindstrom’s shooting game. To be upfront, when I first started working on his scouting report, I struggled to get a solid read on his shot. Around 80% of his goals seemed to be tap-ins from close range or rebounds, and while he’d occasionally fire off some decent shots, nothing particularly stood out. What caught my attention even more was his tendency to pass up clear shooting opportunities. So, I took a step back, watched a few more games, and the wait turned out to be worthwhile.
As Lindstrom gains confidence, he’s started to unleash shots not just from a few feet away but also from mid-range. And let me tell you, he’s got a phenomenal shot. The power and speed behind some of his wrist shots are downright dangerous. What’s even more remarkable is his ability to generate this power with minimal forward motion. If you compare his best wristers with those of other top shooters, you’ll notice he needs just a few inches to propel the puck forward with impressive speed, whereas others often require more space for a solid shot. It’s quite impressive.
Now, while it’s clear he needs to show this consistently, you don’t want to mess too much with what’s working for him. However, incorporating a few more mid-range wristers into his game could seriously elevate his overall play.
Moving on, Lindstrom is a versatile goal scorer. He knows how to find the back of the net in various ways, but his sweet spot is undeniably in the low slot. Whether it’s capitalizing on rebounds, positioning himself for tap-ins, or executing one-touch shots, he excels in that area. Few attributes in a hockey player are as reliable and projectable as this. Like I mentioned earlier, even if other aspects of his development hit roadblocks, Lindstrom can always fall back on these skills. Some players have built successful careers with nothing more than determination and low slot abilities – think of Gallagher, for example. Lindstrom, with half of Gallagher’s heart and the additional elements and physical advantages he possesses, could become a force to be reckoned with. From rebounds to one-timers, from one or two-touch shots in the slot to formidable wristers from a distance, it seems like he’s got it all.
I’m a bit cautious about labeling his shot as “elite” because we haven’t seen enough of it, and consistency is key. So, while I’m holding back a bit, it’s clear that Lindstrom has the potential for something special with just a bit more regularity.
Wrap-up
To sum it up, Lindstrom’s combination of physical attributes and skills makes him a strong contender for a spot in the top 10, and possibly even the top 5, depending on the specific needs of the drafting teams. Take a team like Chicago, for example, which places a high value on speed, hard work, and is in need of size. Considering they also boast the most creative young player in the world, Lindstrom could be a prime candidate for a top 5 or even top 3 selection. Conversely, teams that have already addressed size in their lineup might opt for a defenseman or a player with more creative and purely skilled attributes.
As for my current rankings, Lindstrom holds the 7th spot, acknowledging that he might ascend in the rankings as the evaluation process unfolds. When it comes to player comparisons, finding an exact match for Cayden is a bit challenging. However, envisioning a mix of Dubois and Kreider seems to capture the essence of his playing style. While Slafkovsky shares some similarities as a prospect, predicting how his development will unfold introduces uncertainty about whether their final playing styles will closely align.
