“When I was 12 or 13, I had to choose between hockey and baseball. I really liked both sports, but upon reflection, I realized that I preferred hockey just a little bit. I then opted for this sport, telling myself that I was going to do everything to succeed in it.”
Cayden Lindstrom clearly wasn’t wrong.
To suggest that the young prospect is, five years later, popular with Canadian supporters is an understatement.
Recently, the author of these lines published a poll on his “X” account. The question behind this one was very simple.
“In the event of a scenario where Montreal does not draft first or second, what hope would you like the club to turn to?”
At 63.8% (!), people voted in favor of the Medicine Hat Tigers center.
After discussion with the main interested party, it is clear that the interest is mutual.
“I grew up watching Canadiens games,” confides the man who has three little sisters, the last of whom (aged eight) also plays hockey. The Bell Center’s reputation is well established: the atmosphere there is incredible and the fans are just… crazy! Playing in Montreal would mean a lot to me.”
Several Habs fans who dream of Lindstrom (6”4, 216 pounds) have in mind a hypothetical scenario where the imposing pivot and Juraj Slafkovsky (another colossus!), on two different units, would greatly complicate the task of other teams .
But Lindstrom doesn’t have exactly the same idea.
“I could see myself playing with Slafkovsky,” says the young man, when asked about the two CH players with whom he would see potential chemistry.
“Slafkovsky is a big guy like me, so let’s say we could get a lot of space on the ice! Otherwise, Cole Caufield is quite a scorer and he is also excellent at creating plays.
Christer Rockstrom, the Habs’ chief European recruiter, called Slafkovsky a “big horse” during a team meeting preceding the 2022 draft.
Difficult, if not impossible, not to think about the potential damage that could be caused by a trio on which two (talented) “horses” and a natural marker evolve…
“I am very, very competitive”
Cayden Lindstrom’s profile is enough to make you salivate. His size has just been discussed, but there is a lot more to it than that.
In 32 games this season, the young man presented statistics that speak for themselves: 27 goals and 46 points. What makes Lindstrom so interesting is that these points and goals were scored in multiple ways. He is unpredictable and contributes in a multitude of ways.
This is exactly what he wants/thinks he can be in the NHL.
“I can play a very physical match and create space for my teammates, but I can also play with finesse and pace. I also consider myself involved defensively.
Lindstrom pauses, as if he has just finished his sentence. But he resumes immediately.
“I’m also very, very competitive.”
The famous character. This quality cannot be bought.
Injuries: nothing to worry about
Cayden Lindstrom’s style of play and statistics explain his popularity quite well among various hockey speakers/experts.
As the draft approaches, the main concern expressed behind the scenes concerns his state of health.
Lindstrom had wrist surgery in mid-January missing a few weeks of activities, then had to draw a line under the current U18 World Championship due to back pain. But the skater and his agent, Daren Hermiston, are very reassuring on this subject.
“Cayden is doing well,” says Hermiston. He trains without restriction and intensely five days a week in the gym and also adds five sessions on the ice. In the case of his back, the operation will not be necessary. We opted for physiotherapy treatments and methods like that and he has been running at full speed for the past few days. There is no need to worry about his state of health.”
“I’m really going all out,” confirms Lindstrom with a smile in his voice.
Moreover, the attacker had just come out of vigorous training with… Connor Bedard when the interview took place.
“I don’t care what people say”
During the season, Cayden Lindstrom’s playfulness was questioned by some. Besides the questions about his state of health, this was one of the only downsides brought to the table concerning his contribution on the ice.
Launched on this track, the center player took no time to respond.
“To be honest, I don’t care what people say about me. I think I have a very good understanding of the game. Obviously, there is always room for something better, but my vision is very sharp, in my opinion. I am more than capable of making plays and I have proven it in the past.
Photo credit: Larry Brunt
The response was delivered in a calm and collected, but authoritative tone. Clearly, Lindstrom won’t be intimidated by gossip. The quickest on the trigger will say that it’s perfect, especially considering his possible coming to Montreal.
Our interlocutor therefore does not need external comments to know what he needs to work on. He is his own biggest critic and… has already prepared for a whole summer of training.
“I want to become even stronger! I also plan to work on my mobility with a trainer specializing in skating and I will also devote several sessions to improving my shooting and my skills with the puck.
If the current version of Cayden Lindstrom is impressive, that of September, after all this work, risks being downright nightmarish for opposing defenders…
