Surprising statement about Gustav Lindstrom that greatly complicates matters

PUBLICATION

Elias Edmonson
August 18, 2023 (12:37)

SHARE THIS STORY

The former scout for the Montreal Canadiens, who specializes in NHL prospects, Grant McCagg, made a surprising statement about the organization's new acquisition, defenseman Gustav Lindstrom.

In the scout's eyes, the newcomer could break into the top-4 of the team at the start of the next season, which would have a significant impact on several young defensemen in the lineup.

Although he believes that the 24-year-old Swede is not a long-term option to be in the Canadiens' core of defensemen, he thinks that if the Habs doesn't want to play Jordan Harris or Arber Xhekaj on the opposite side, the latter is likely to be the choice to complete the second pair.

To be honest, I would have a lot of difficulty accepting this situation if it were to materialize next October. Although Kent Hughes pointed out that his organization believes Lindstrom's potential has not yet been reached, I seriously doubt he can become an excellent defenseman in the NHL.

Moreover, journalist Simon-Olivier Lorange raised a very interesting point about the player's most recent season.

At best, he could become a 6th or 7th defenseman for the Canadiens, but I can't see how Martin St. Louis could hinder the development of genuinely promising young defenders like Xhekaj, Harris, or even Justin Barron, by placing Lindstrom ahead of them on the board.

Considering McCagg's comments, here's what the team's defense might look like at the start of the next season:

Matheson � Savard

Guhle � Lindström

Xhekaj / Harris � Kovacevic

We can see that despite an excellent end to the season with the Canadiens, Barron would be penalized by Lindstrom's presence in Montreal. Similarly, there would be a rotation between Xhekaj and Harris for the last spot on the left side of the defense.

Frankly, it's far from optimal, and to me, Lindstrom's presence is a real puzzle.

Credit: HabsetLNH.com