The leaders of the Columbus Blue Jackets are currently furious for not having selected Ivan Demidov 4th overall in the last draft.
Kent Hughes, the general manager of the Montreal Canadiens, may be able to thank them all his life for this decision that will change the Canadiens forever.
But while Columbus deals with the consequences of its picks, another name continues to make headlines for the wrong reasons: Cayden Lindstrom, one of the most intriguing players in the 2024 draft who was selected by the Blue Jackets an rank before Demidov.
The striker has yet to play a single match this season.
Lindstrom was undoubtedly the most physically impressive player of this vintage. Watching him on the ice for just half a minute, you could believe he was the product of a scientific laboratory seeking to create the perfect hockey player.
At 1.93 meters tall and weighing 98 kilos, Lindstrom possesses a combination of physical power, speed and puck control that makes him a formidable threat.
After a promising rookie season in the WHL with the Medicine Hat Tigers, where he scored 19 goals and accumulated 42 points in 61 games, Lindstrom experienced an offensive explosion in 2023-24. He scored 27 goals and 46 points in just 32 games, quickly climbing the draft rankings before a broken hand and back injury ended his season prematurely.
However, the scandal surrounding the nature of his back injury shook recruiters and tarnished his image.
Initially, Lindstrom and his entourage tried to downplay the injury, saying it was just a back strain, a common pain among high-intensity athletes.
But as the season progressed, rumors began to swirl that he was hiding something more serious.
What could have remained a closely guarded secret quickly turned into a public affair when reports revealed that he was in fact suffering from a herniated disc, a much more complex and concerning injury.
Why had he chosen to withhold this crucial information?
Was it out of pressure from those around him, out of fear of seeing his value drop in the eyes of recruiters, or simply out of a desire to continue playing at all costs?
Lindstrom finally admitted that he actually suffered from a herniated disc…after being drafted by the Blue Jackets. Imagine how furious DG Waddell was.
A lie that led to many questions about his long-term health, but also about his honesty. In the world of the NHL, where transparency and reliability are essential before the draft, this revelation jeopardizes his prospects.
The Blue Jackets, having spent their valuable 4th overall pick, are now facing the repercussions of their decision.
Ivan Demidov will become a prodigy. As for Cayden Lindstrom, he remains a unique talent, but with enormous risks.
In the ultra-competitive world of professional hockey, injuries can make or break a career. A player with a herniated disc is at risk of chronic pain and reduced mobility, especially if he is subjected to a hectic pace like that of the NHL.
Cayden Lindstrom represents undeniable offensive power, a blend of raw strength and rare agility. With his imposing physique of 1.93 meters and 98 kilos, he is often able to dominate his opponents in the offensive zone, exploiting his stature to protect the puck and create scoring opportunities.
But this same power can also become a burden on his body, especially if it is weakened by a back injury.
In restricted zones, he excels in protecting the puck, storming the opposing net and multiplying checks to exhaust his opponents.
His above-average puck handling skills allow him to maintain possession, even under heavy defensive pressure.
However, each intense physical movement raises the question of whether one’s back will be able to withstand the repeated stresses of a professional career.
This situation disgusted Nick Bobrov, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton.
Having followed Lindstrom closely, they were well aware of the young player’s potential. However, the shadow of cheating hung over him.
With Ivan Demidov haunting Columbus forever, Don Waddell tries to reassure everyone about Lindstrom’s health.
He swore that the player was progressing well in his rehabilitation. Lindstrom trains daily in full gear, and the team gradually increases the intensity of their sessions.
Waddell said the team was taking a cautious approach, saying they wanted to make sure Lindstrom was fully recovered before sending him back to his junior team, the Medicine Hat Tigers.
The GM says he wants to avoid any relapse, as if Lindstrom were a 40-year veteran.
Kent Hughes will have him to thank for life. The Blue Jackets will never forgive themselves.
