Report: Blue Jackets prospect Cayden Lindstrom expected to commit to NCAA’s Michigan State
Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Cayden Lindstrom looks to be heading to Michigan State, according to The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline.
The center prospect and fourth overall pick from the 2024 NHL Entry Draft has spent the last four seasons with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers but has not played since April 5, 2024, due to injury and recovery from back surgery.
While he previously would have been unable to switch to an NCAA school, a policy change in November permitting CHL players to join NCAA programs as of Aug. 1, 2025, allows him to do so, a move many CHL players have already committed to.
His commitment comes after a reportedly heavy recruiting effort from MSU and other programs, including the Ohio State Buckeyes, which would have put him closer to the Blue Jackets.
In 99 regular-season WHL games with the Tigers, the Dawson Creek, BC native scored 46 goals and 88 points, highlighted by his 46 points in 36 games in 2023-24.
While initial plans would have had him returning to major junior, a move to the NCAA will allow him to take on a lighter schedule, with more substantial support and physical training staff, which should allow him to ease back into competition more comfortably. At the same time, NCAA teams play just 34 regular season games, compared to the CHL’s 68.
The 19-year-old has not signed an entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets, keeping him eligible for the NCAA. However, his commitment may not be announced until later in July, when the school announces the full incoming freshman class.
Michigan State saw their season end on Thursday with a last-second 4-3 upset loss against Cornell in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Toledo.
CORNELL UPSETS NO. 2 MICHIGAN ST. WITH 10 SECONDS LEFT 😱
They'll play Boston University in the second round 👀 pic.twitter.com/A198m1U0eg
Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are in the thick of a Stanley Cup Playoff spot race. With 12 games remaining, they are fifth in the Eastern Conference Wild Card standings on 73 points, two points behind the Montreal Canadiens on 75 points.