For the second year in a row, the Montreal Canadiens hold the fifth overall pick in the upcoming NHL draft.
Given their surplus of young, talented defencemen, many fans are hoping they will use the opportunity to select a forward.
If that’s the case, WHL centre Cayden Lindstrom is a prime candidate.
Already meeting with Canadiens management for dinner and an interview at the NHL Draft Combine, Lindstrom seems excited about the prospect of hearing Habs GM Kent Hughes call his name later this month.
“That would be a cool place to go. I’ve done a couple of interviews with media in Montreal. They make it sound like an unbelievable place,” the 18-year-old told TSN’s Mark Masters. “Their fans are crazy, obviously.”
And when it comes to the immense pressure that comes with suiting up for hockey’s most storied franchise, the youngster seems up for the challenge.
“I’ve heard a lot about how there’s a lot of spotlight and media, but I think I can handle it. I really like the bright lights, the loud crowds. I think it motivates me more than anything,” he added.
Lindstrom, ranked third among North American skaters in the NHL’s latest prospect rankings, is a big, physical center known for his offensive skills and strong two-way play.
It’s like Cayden Lindstrom never left!
The 2024 #NHLDraft prospect nets his first point since December as the @tigershockey add to an early lead.#FeedingtheFuture pic.twitter.com/GB5iYNtKu1
— The WHL (@TheWHL) March 30, 2024
Although he missed much of the 2023-24 campaign with an injury, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Chetwynd, BC, native saw an impressive offensive stint last season with 27 goals and 46 points over 32 games with the Medicine Hat Tigers.
Given the Canadiens’ need for size and secondary scoring, Lindstrom would be a solid choice if he’s still available and could likely contribute to their top six in the near future.
Montreal will have 12 picks in the upcoming NHL Draft, which will take place from June 28 to 29 at the Las Vegas Sphere.
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