The Columbus Blue Jackets entered the 2024 NHL Entry Draft with two first-round picks, aiming to bolster their prospect pool and accelerate their rebuild. With the fourth overall and thirty-sixth overall selections, General Manager Don Waddell and his team had an opportunity to add high-end talent to their organization. Let's analyze these picks and provide a grade for each.
Cayden Lindstrom (4th Overall):
With the fourth overall pick, the Blue Jackets selected Cayden Lindstrom, a center from the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Lindstrom, standing at 6'3" and weighing over 200 pounds, brings a combination of size, skating ability, and physicality to the ice.
Strengths: Lindstrom is a powerful skater with excellent offensive skills and goal-scoring instincts. His size allows him to muscle off defenders and create havoc in the dirty areas of the ice. He isn't afraid to play a physical game and engage in battles. Lindstrom also possesses good vision and playmaking ability.
Weaknesses: Lindstrom's draft stock was affected by multiple injuries during the season, including a herniated disk in his back. There are some concerns about his hockey sense and ability to consistently drive play. Some scouts believe he might be better suited on the wing rather than at center in the NHL.
Analysis: Lindstrom has the potential to become a top-six forward in the NHL, possibly a top-line winger or a solid number-two center. If he can stay healthy and develop his playmaking skills, he and Adam Fantilli could become a dynamic duo down the middle for the Blue Jackets. The team has lacked center depth, so Lindstrom addresses a critical need. Some analysts have compared Lindstrom to Chris Kreider.
Grade: B+. While Lindstrom comes with some risk due to his injury history, his high-end potential and the Blue Jackets' need for a player with his skillset make this a worthwhile pick.
Charlie Elick (36th Overall):
With their second first-round pick, 36th overall, the Blue Jackets selected Charlie Elick, a defenseman from the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL. Elick is a right-shot defenseman who stands at 6'3" and weighs over 200 pounds.
Strengths: Elick is an outstanding skater, with smooth and powerful strides. His mobility allows him to play shutdown defense, retrieve loose pucks, and start the breakout. He is known for his physicality and a bit of a mean streak.
Weaknesses: Elick is not a natural puck-mover and can make questionable decisions with the puck at times. His offensive upside is limited.
Analysis: Elick projects as a potential shutdown defenseman in the NHL. His skating and physical play make him an intriguing prospect for the Blue Jackets' blue line. Some have compared Elick to Braden Schneider. He was considered by some to be a first-round talent.
Grade: A-. Elick is a solid pick who addresses a need for defensive-minded defensemen. His skating and physicality give him a high floor, and if he can improve his puck-moving skills, he could become a valuable player for the Blue Jackets.
Overall:
The Blue Jackets' two first-round picks in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft were solid selections. Cayden Lindstrom brings size, skill, and potential to the forward group, while Charlie Elick adds mobility and physicality to the defense. Both players have the potential to become important pieces of the Blue Jackets' future. Overall, the Blue Jackets get a B+ for their first round.
