The new agreement between the NCAA and CHL continues to see fall out as some of the top prospects begin to announce their intent to swap leagues. Earlier today, it became official that Columbus Blue Jackets draft pick Cayden Lindstrom will be leaving the Medicine Hat Tigers and will play his 2025-26 season at Michigan State University.

Lindstrom was selected by the Blue Jackets in 2023 with their 4th overall selection after his first season with the Tigers. In his first season he scored 19 goals and 23 assists for a total of 42 points over 61 games. This season his production nearly doubled as he scored 27 goals and 19 assist for 46 points, however due to injury he played in only 32 games.

Lindstrom will benefit from the bigger and heavier competition of the NCAA at only 19-years-old because of his 6’4″ 214 pound frame. He joins Charlie Stramel (drafted 21st overall in 2023), Isaac Howard (drafted 31st overall in 2022), Trey Augustine (drafted 41st overall in 2023), and many other NHL prospects on the Spartans as they look to content for a National Championship. Lindstrom is a strong skater who brings a solid defensive game to the mix.