Blue Jackets prospect Cayden Lindstrom (CBJ 2024 1st round, 4th overall) has committed to attend Michigan State University this coming season. Per NHL Central Scouting, Lindstrom is the #2 prospect in the Columbus system behind left-shot D-man Denton Mateychuk. Mateychuk spent 45 games with Columbus last season, and is expected to make the big club’s opening night roster in 2025-26.
Due to back surgery, Lindstrom missed the entire 2024-25 regular season for Memorial Cup finalist Medicine Hat. He returned for the WHL finals, where he tallied 4 points (2G 2A) in 4 games for the Tigers. Lindstrom also played in three Memorial Cup games, but was held off the score sheet.
Speaking of Medicine Hat, presumptive 2026 first overall pick Gavin McKenna also may be headed to the NCAA. Although nothing is official as of yet as to his leaving the WHL, per CBC’s Elliotte Friedman the early front-runner for his services is Penn State University. The 17 year old amassed 129 points (41G 88A) in 56 games this season on his way to receiving WHL player of the year (Four Broncos Memorial Trophy) honors.