Latest news with #CaydenLindstrom
New York Times
2 days ago
- Health
- New York Times
Blue Jackets prospect Cayden Lindstrom looks forward to ‘long career,' with his next stop at Michigan State
Cayden Lindstrom was flying home to Vancouver on Wednesday, ready to enjoy a full offseason of conditioning and buoyed by the knowledge that the worst of his medical issues — fingers crossed, knock on wood, etc. — were finally behind him. His surgically repaired back has healed and is continuing to strengthen. That much was proven by Lindstrom's late-season return to action with the Western Hockey League's Medicine Hat Tigers, first in the WHL championship series and then in the Memorial Cup, where Medicine Hat lost in the championship game. Advertisement Lindstrom, the Columbus Blue Jackets' No. 4 overall pick last summer, will need to pay attention to a summer workout program designed to avoid putting too much stress on his back. But he is cleared to return to the routine of being a full-time hockey player. 'Playing those games really helped me (determine) where I'm at physically and mentally,' Lindstrom told The Athletic on Wednesday. 'Now I know what I need to work on during the summer. Now I know I can play games and push myself through some of the effects and it won't harm me in any way. '(My back) is a lot better. It's still going to take some time to fully feel (like) myself again. That's what it's like when you miss a full year of hockey. But the rest of it (the herniated disc in his lower back) is behind me.' This is, quite obviously, a huge sigh of relief for the Blue Jackets, who expected Lindstrom to miss the entire season after he had surgery in late November. Medicine Hat's long postseason run and Lindstrom's patient relentlessness in rehabilitation, made it possible. 'We were all watching nervously, of course,' Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said, referring to the club's hockey operations staffers. 'It was important for him to play for multiple reasons. But psychologically, after being out so long and putting in all that work, he could get back into a game and find out he can play without having any issues going forward. That's big for him.' Lindstrom is now able to make plans for the future. On Wednesday, he confirmed The Athletic's report in April that he has committed to attend Michigan State University in the fall, making the leap from Medicine Hat — and the Canadian junior ranks — to the NCAA, a move that was forbidden by NCAA rules until recently. The Blue Jackets have known this was a consideration since they drafted him, which explains why they didn't rush to sign Lindstrom to his three-year, entry-level contract. If he had signed a pro contract, he would have been ineligible for college. Advertisement It will be easier for the Jackets to keep a close eye on Lindstrom in East Lansing, Mich., than it was in Medicine Hat. For Lindstrom, 19, the challenge of playing against older players will help get him ready for the rough-and-tumble world of the NHL, where he's projected to play center as a power forward. 'It was a really hard decision to leave Medicine Hat,' Lindstrom said. '(GM and coach) Willy Desjardins, and (assistant coaches) Joe Frazer and Josh Maser were such great supporters for me in my career. It was super hard, but I'm heading to Michigan State. I committed there, and that's where I'll be playing. 'The travel is so much easier (in college). The facilities (in East Lansing) are great. It'll help me recover my body and put me in a position to have a really long career.' As Lindstrom spoke on Wednesday, he sounded more relaxed and at ease than he had in previous interviews. He's in a better state of mind, it seems, after returning to hockey after more than a year-long absence. Lindstrom had two goals, two assists and a plus-3 rating in four games during Medicine Hat's series win over Spokane, and was a dominating force early in the tournament. In Game 3, however, he turned into a leg-on-leg hit with Spokane's Saige Weinstein that caused a few skipped heartbeats within the Blue Jackets' front office. The resulting injury was a charley horse, and Lindstrom was saddled with it the rest of the way. When Medicine Hat flew to Rimouski, Quebec, for the Memorial Cup, he suffered significant swelling in the leg during the flight, and the decision was made to sit him out in Game 1. He returned for the final three games, but he wasn't 100 percent. The Blue Jackets received daily updates from Lindstrom, and Waddell said they were pleased with how Medicine Hat and Lindstrom handled the situation. Advertisement 'It was pretty bad,' Lindstrom said. 'I tried to play through it (in Game 5 of the WHL championship series), but I didn't want to start compensating, because when you start compensating, it leads to other things. 'I want to play more than anything, but there's a risk-reward in that situation that wouldn't benefit me or the team in any way.' But his back was never the issue, Waddell said. 'He felt good,' he said. 'Back-wise, he's had no complaints at all.' CAYDEN. LINDSTROM. 1-0 TIGERS 🚨@TigersHockey | @BlueJacketsNHL | #WHLChampionship — Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) May 12, 2025 Lindstrom will spend the next three weeks in Vancouver, he said, then fly to Columbus in advance of the Blue Jackets' development camp. After barely skating last year, Lindstrom will be a full participant this year, Waddell said. He will stay in Columbus after development camp, then head to Michigan State in early July for a six-week summer camp with many of his new teammates. Then he'll get a week back home in Vancouver before returning to Michigan State for the start of classes in the fall. Lindstrom is still a long way from the NHL, but he's now back on the road. 'Missing the whole season was tough,' Lindstrom said. 'But this was kinda my goal the whole year. I knew Medicine Hat was going to go far in the playoffs because we had a really good team, a skilled team. It was my goal to push and help the team for the playoffs. 'Don Waddell and (director of hockey operations) Rick Nash and (trainers) Mike Vogt and Dylan Dewey, they all put so much time and effort into me, and that really means a lot to me. They've helped me get better and get started on a long career.'
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Medicine Hat Blows Past Spokane, Take 2-1 Series Lead
After a relatively flat performance in game two, the Medicine Hat Tigers walked into Spokane and ran the show for approximately 60 minutes. Even without Gavin McKenna, the Tigers ruled the road in a big way and skated away with a 6-0 victory. Although it took significantly longer than the first two contests, Medicine Hat opened the scoring for the third time in the series. Cayden Lindstrom continues to stay hot, opening game four up as well as adding an assist on Hunter St. Martin's insurance marker with just under two minutes to go in the first frame. In addition, the Tigers depth continues to shine through. Kadon McCann and Liam Ruck both added one in the second period while Veeti Vaisanen kept things quiet on the blue line. The Chiefs were unable to get many opportunities, recording just 13 shots through the first two periods. For just the second time in the 2025 playoffs, Carter Esler made an appearance for Spokane as Medicine Hat chased starting goaltender Dawson Cowan after a fifth goal by Andrew Basha early in the third period. Harrison Meneghin was solid when called upon for the Tigers, and looks to take the momentum into Wednesday's game four. Speaking of momentum, defenceman Bryce Pickford extended his goal streak to six games with a mid-third period marker and has at least one point in his last seven contests. The Chiefs will look to tie the series once again on Wednesday night, as the puck drops in Spokane once again at 7:00pm PT. Scoring Summary: 1st Period: 11:45- MH: Cayden Lindstrom (2) from Oasiz Wiesblatt18:09- MH: Hunter St. Martin (5) from Cayden Lindstrom 2nd Period: 1:33- MH: Kadon McCann (9) from Veeti Vaisanen14:52- MH: Liam Ruck (5) from Marcus Pacheco and Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll 3rd Period: 00:23- MH: Andrew Basha (2) from Hunter St. Martin9:16- MH: Bryce Pickford (10) from Oasiz Wiesblatt and Tanner Molendyk Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. 2025 WHL Championship Series Game 3 Preview Tigers' Andrew Basha: "It Was Unbelievable" On Return To Game Action 2025 WHL Championship Series Game 2 Preview Basha Scores In Return From Injury As The Medicine Hat Tigers Defeat The Spokane Chiefs 4-1 In Game 1 Of The 2025 WHL Championship Series 2025 WHL Championship Series Preview: Medicine Hat Tigers Versus Spokane Chiefs
Winnipeg Free Press
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
WHL playoffs: Tigers whip Chiefs 6-0 to take 2-1 lead in championship series
SPOKANE – Cayden Lindstrom and Hunter St. Martin each had a goal and assist, Harrison Meneghin made 28 saves, and the visiting Medicine Hat Tigers whipped the Spokane Chiefs 6-0 in Western Hockey League playoff action at Veterans Memorial Arena on Tuesday night. Kadon McCann, Liam Ruck, Andrew Basha and Bryce Pickford also scored for the Tigers, who grabbed a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven WHL Championship series. Oasiz Wiesblatt chipped in with two assists. The Tigers opened the series Friday with a 4-1 win at home, but the Chiefs bounced back in Game 2 with a 6-2 victory to earn the split in Alberta. The Tigers, who outshot the hosts 45-28, led 2-0 after the first period and took a 4-0 lead into the third. The Tigers went 1-for-3 on the power play, while the Chiefs were 0-for-3 with the man advantage. Game 4 is Wednesday in Spokane. * This roundup was generated automatically with a CP-developed application. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2025.
New York Times
10-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Cayden Lindstrom, Blue Jackets' No. 4 pick last June, makes triumphant return
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ever since Cayden Lindstrom had back surgery in November, the Columbus Blue Jackets' seemed resigned to waiting until next season to see their 2024 No. 4 pick back on the ice. Every precaution was taken, and patience ruled the day. But Lindstrom's diligent work during rehab and the Medicine Hat Tigers' long, impressive run through the Western Hockey League playoffs conspired to make the unlikely possible on Friday. Advertisement After more than 13 months away from competitive hockey, Lindstrom played for Medicine Hat in Game 1 of the WHL Championship, assisting on the Tigers' first goal — only 54 seconds into the game — and playing a regular shift in a 4-1 win over Spokane. Lindstrom finished with a plus-1 rating, took a penalty, and won 5 of 10 face-offs while centering Medicine Hat's second line. The Blue Jackets had two scouts on hand in Co-op Place, and several more scouts and executives watching via internet back in Columbus and points beyond. 'Our doctor cleared him a while back, but he wanted him to have a couple of weeks, at least, of contact in practice,' Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell said. 'We had a conference call on Monday and another one on Wednesday, and the doctor fully released him. 'If he feels good, he said. He sees no reason why he shouldn't be able to play, and the kid wants to play.' Waddell admits to being initially uneasy about Lindstrom's return. He had told himself and others that Lindstrom most likely wasn't going to play this year, and that was the organization's mindset. But the more he listened to doctors and to Lindstrom, he started to come around. The original prognosis when Lindstrom went under the knife on Nov. 20 was that he could return to play in five months. It's been nearly six, Waddell noted. 'The kid is eager to get back,' Waddell said. 'It's been a long year, and when you're a hockey player and you don't get to play hockey all year … that's tough. 'He's worked his ass off to get to this point. At the end of the day, it's his decision. But like I said to him on the phone Wednesday, 'We're going to support you, Cayden. I just want you to be honest with the team, with the trainers and with us. If you feel anything at all, or if you don't feel like you're ready for a game, you have to be honest with us.'' WHO ELSE BUT ANDREW BASHA?! The @NHLFlames prospect opens the scoring at the #WHLChampionship in his FIRST shift back from injury! 📺🇨🇦 | @TSN_Sports📺🇺🇸| @victoryplustv#FeedingtheFuture | #Flames | @tigershockey — Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) May 10, 2025 If Medicine Hat, the second-best club in the WHL during the regular season, didn't go on a post-season burner, Lindstrom's return wouldn't be possible. The Tigers have won 11 straight playoff games, including second- and third-round four-game sweeps over Prince Albert and Lethbridge to reach the final. Advertisement 'I haven't played in a while, so there's going to be some bumps and a lot of rust, probably,' Lindstrom told reporters in Medicine Hat. 'The speed might not be there, but, honestly, I'm not too worried about that. I know what I have to do. My game will come as the series moves along.' Lindstrom was a constant presence in Nationwide Arena this season, with several veteran players taking him under their wings as he faced the day-to-day grind of rehabbing with no return in sight. He'd skate on his own during the day, then watch from the press box along with the club's injured players or healthy scratches. On Nov. 20, he had back surgery in Los Angeles. 'You kind of go through the highs and lows. I did, at least,' Lindstrom said. 'I would just go week by week. Some days I'd feel not very good, other days I'd feel great. I tried to stay positive … self-talk, stay positive. 'The guys there were all so supportive in wanting to help me. They did a great job with me there. They all really cared, and that was the big thing.' On Friday, Lindstrom centered a line with wingers Andrew Basha and Hunter St. Martin. On the first shift of the game, Lindstrom went in hard on the forecheck, gathered a loose puck and quickly spun and fed St. Martin in the right circle. He found Basha coming through the left circle for the game's first goal. It was a triumphant night all around in Medicine Hat. Basha, who'd been out since having surgery in December, made his return to the ice on Friday, too. It was Lindstrom's first game since a WHL playoff game on April 5, 2024. 'I thought it was real exciting to have them score on their first shift,' coach Willie Desjardins told reporters in Medicine Hat. 'That was about as good as you could start, for sure. It's going to be exciting having them in the lineup.' Advertisement Patience will still be the Blue Jackets' guiding principle with Lindstrom. Waddell noted that Lindstrom, even if he's feeling completely healthy, may not play every game of the series. There are two back-to-backs in the best-of-seven showdown: Game 3 and 4 are set for next Tuesday and Wednesday in Spokane, Wash., while Game 6 and 7, if necessary, are set for May 18-19 in Medicine Hat, Alberta. The Memorial Cup runs May 22 to June 1 in Rimouski, Quebec. Waddell said he'd travel to Rimouski to watch Lindstrom in person if Medicine Hat qualifies. Either way, Lindstrom will head into the off-season knowing where he stands with his back. If everything goes swimmingly, it would be a big boost to him and the Blue Jackets' future. The Athletic reported last month that Lindstrom had committed to play next season at Michigan State University — per the NCAA rule change, players may now make the leap from juniors to college — but neither Lindstrom nor his agent, Daren Hermiston, have made a public pronouncement of that. The Blue Jackets' depth chart at center is as strong now as its every been. Veteran Sean Monahan, coming off a point-a-game season, and 20-year-old Adam Fantilli, who had 31 goals this season, are locks on the top two lines. Cole Sillinger has settled into the third-line role. Lindstrom, a combative two-way center, projects as a top-six impact center when he's NHL-ready. Nobody can say when that will be, of course. But Friday's return makes it seem less far away.
CTV News
09-05-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
NHL draft picks Lindstrom, Basha return to Medicine Hat Tigers lineup ahead of WHL Championship
Medicine Hat Tigers forwards Cayden Lindstrom (left) and Andrew Basha (right). (Source: Medicine Hat Tigers/WHL)
