19 year old Canadian Cayden Lindstrom was selected fourth overall in the 2024 NHL draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets, but with constant struggles over a tricky back injury, will he be able to rediscover his form next season as he commits to Michigan State University?
Lindstrom was one of the most highly praised and anticipated prospects for the 2024 NHL draft, but after suffering a number of worrying back and head injuries during the 2023/24 season, Lindstrom’s stock seemed to be depleting. With some doubt over his injury history, it wasn't enough for the Columbus Blue Jackets to pass on him, selecting him with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft.
Lindstrom has since undergone back surgery and has not played a game since being drafted, but with the recent news of his commitment to Michigan State University for the 2025/26 season under the new CHL, NCAA eligibility rules, playing at a division 1 team could be the perfect place for the once superstar to prove he still has what it takes.
It is always a worry for teams when players have injuries as serious and problematic as back injuries, but in Lindstrom’s case, the Blue Jackets have the liberty of taking their time with their fourth overall pick, and allow him to flourish under a top level college programme, a place where he can refined his former self, and become the elite power forward they were hoping for.
In his last season with the Medicine Hat Tigers, Lindstrom put up 46 points in 32 games, and was showing signs of being the best power forward prospect in the country at only 17 years old. Being the fearless puck carrier that he is, Lindstrom will be a perfect sharpshooter for the Spartans next season, and with his excellent combo of speed and size, it will be easy for him to keep up with the constant increase of speed in NCAA hockey.
Lindstrom will for sure be a massive addition in Michigan, and had the team decide to continue his rehab under a professional D1 institute, Lindstrom will likely come out a much more powerful and stronger player, being in the perfect environment to prepare for NHL life, and the perfect place to prove his ability is still there.
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