Between now and the start of camp we will finish our Top 25 Under 25 countdown. Thanks to the 74 readers who submitted ballots in this year’s ranking of Columbus Blue Jackets players and prospects under the age of 25.
#5 Cayden Lindstrom
Voting
5th out of 42 eligible players
Writer Rank: 4th
Reader Rank: 6th
Highest Placement: 2nd (10 votes)
Most Common Placement: 2nd (10 votes)
2023 Rank: N/A
Biography
Birthdate: February 3, 2006
Birthplace: Chetwynd, BC, Canada
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 214 lbs
Position: C
Shoots: Left
Acquired: Drafted in the 1st Round (4th Overall) in 2024
2023-24 Season
Due to hand and back injuries, Lindstrom only played 32 games for Medicine Hat of the WHL last season. In that time, he scored 27 goals and added 19 assists. He’s a big, powerful, physical center that can drive play offensively and disrupt it defensively. You have to wonder if the 2024 draft would have looked different if Lindstrom had played the entire season and continued to grow as a player.
2024-25 Outlook
Health will still be a concern until Lindstrom proves he can play without limitation. As of now, he’s still in Columbus skating and working out, though he hasn’t been part of training camp and hasn’t run any contact drills. Once he is cleared, he will be heading back to Medicine Hat.
Lindstrom should dominate the WHL this season. Anything less would be a disappointment. Ultimately, the goal is to play an entire season and prove that his back will not be a lingering issue. If he can stay healthy, he will have the opportunity to play for Canada in World Juniors.