After a prolonged absence, Columbus Blue Jackets` highly-regarded prospect, Cayden Lindstrom, is poised to play his first game of the season. Lindstrom is expected to join the Medicine Hat Tigers lineup for Game 1 of the Western Hockey League (WHL) final series against the visiting Spokane Chiefs, which is scheduled for Friday.
Lindstrom, selected fourth overall by the Blue Jackets in the previous year`s NHL Entry Draft, has missed the entirety of the current season while recovering from a back injury that required surgery in November.
His path back to the ice began with skating in Columbus in February, and he has been practicing with the Tigers organization since early last month in preparation for his return to competitive play.
During the prior season, the six-foot-four center demonstrated significant offensive potential for the Tigers, tallying 27 goals and 19 assists, accumulating 46 points over 32 contests.
In related news for Medicine Hat, Calgary Flames prospect Andrew Basha is also slated to return to action on Friday. Basha, a forward taken 41st overall in last year`s draft, has been sidelined since December due to an ankle injury.
The Medicine Hat Tigers team is also highlighted by the presence of Gavin McKenna, recognized as a top prospect for the 2026 NHL Draft.
