Cayden Lindstrom is already on the Montreal Canadiens roster, but excitement around his potential has skyrocketed.
Rumors are swirling around the next draft, with the almost total assurance that the CH will set its sights on what is described as Éric Lindros 2.0, at 5th place.
The ideal scenario seems to be emerging more and more clearly for Montreal. Celebrini, obviously, will join the Sharks, Demidov the Blackhawks, and Levshunov will probably go to the Ducks.
Meanwhile, left-handed defenseman Anton Silayev is destined for Columbus. In this alignment of planets, Lindstrom could fall into the hands of the Canadians.
It’s Columbus who gets everyone’s attention. Could Lindstrom be picked before 5th overall? The Ducks don’t seem to need him, especially if they go with a defenseman.
The Blackhawks could well take Levshunov, freeing up Demidov for the Ducks. But what about the Blue Jackets? Will they go for a defenseman like Lindstrom?
Scott Wheeler, prospects expert for The Athletic, suggests Lindstrom’s fate largely depends on Columbus’ intentions.
If the Blue Jackets are looking for a left-handed defenseman, as the interest in Silayev suggests, that could free up Lindstrom for Montreal. It’s clear that Columbus doesn’t need a center with Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger.
For the Canadian, this would be the perfect scenario. Two defenders would come out in the top 4, leaving Lindstrom on the table for them.
Kent Hughes, the general manager, has made it clear that the club does not need a left-handed defenseman, which makes Lindstrom even more attractive, especially with his monster size.
Talks are intensifying, with indications that Columbus is showing keen interest in Silayev. For Montreal, this means that unless Demidov slides to 5th place, which seems impossible, Lindstrom will become a tricolor.
Meanwhile, Jean-Charles Lajoie claims that Lindstrom has deficient “HOCKEY IQ” and is afraid he will become Josh Anderson 2.0.
Needless to say, Lajoie never saw Lindstrom play. We’re really talking about a player who will single-handedly change the future of Montreal. While we are talking about a host who is synonymous with “flop”.
All of Quebec is waiting for Lindstrom. There is less and less suspense in this matter…
