![Selecting Iginla before Lindstrom: a WHL coach wouldn’t hesitate](https://dose.ca/app/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-1955820652.jpg)
We’re now just 20 days away from the start of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, with the first round taking place on June 28.
Of course, the rumors surrounding the Habs’ potential pick are mostly about forwards, since it’s common knowledge that the Tricolore wants to add talent to their attack.
Probably the most popular prospect among Canadiens fans right now is 6’3″ center Cayden Lindstrom.
If he’s still available at No. 5, he’ll certainly be an excellent choice that will make the vast majority of fans happy.
Well, according to one WHL coach, even if Lindstrom is available, he’d take Tij Iginla first.
Tij Iginla instead of Cayden Lindstrom with the #CHs? That’s the recommendation, bold to some, of the coach who mentored his fabulous rise. Here are the arguments
from the man who coached Iginla, Lindstrom and Catton. @RDSca https://t.co/sG3bkGdjDx
– Eric Leblanc (@eleblancRDS) June 8, 2024
Indeed, Kris Mallette, head coach of the Kelowna Rockets (Iginla’s team), sincerely believes that Iginla deserves to be drafted ahead of Lindstrom.
Mallette had the chance to coach both players, as he was behind Canada’s bench at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup, and was therefore able to get an idea of the similarities and differences between the two players.
“Cayden (6’3 and 210 lbs.) has exceptional physical skills, he’s already ready for the NHL at this level. He’s very big, he’s strong, but I don’t think his hockey sense is as good as the other two. As for Berkly (5’11 and 170 lbs.), I don’t think he’s going to get any bigger, while Tij (6’0 and 182 lbs.) can add muscle to his frame.” – Kris Mallette
Iginla’s name is very exciting to many Habs fans because of his father’s exploits, but in the end, as Mallette explains, it’s not the same player.
To find out more, here’s an excellent article by Éric Leblanc.
En Rafale
– Not to be missed tonight.
IT’S TIIIIIIIMEEE!
: @EdmontonOilers vs. @FlaPanthers Game 1 of the #StanleyCup Final TONIGHT at 8p ET on ABC, @espn+, @Sportsnet, Sportsnet+, and @TVASports pic.twitter.com/r5w1MSciYU
– NHL (@NHL) June 8, 2024
– Up next.
Corey Wray, brought from Toronto by Tim Bezbatchenko, surprisingly finds himself free after Bezbatchenko’s departure, following a decision by new leader Issa Tall.
Wray’s mission in Columbus was to create the Crew’s second MLS Next Pro team from scratch.
At… https://t. co/8m2URIcII1
– Nilton Jorge (@NiltonJorge) June 8, 2024
– The QMJHL draft continues today.
Quebec City and the Blizzard in the spotlight at the QMJHL Draft.
It all starts again in a few minutes! https://t.co/ARKbKiru9h
– Mikaël Lalancette (@MikLalancette) June 8, 2024
– Please note.
Reminder for this morning if you’re near Pointe Claire. https://t.co/2UGUvD25sN
– Jeremy Filosa
(@JeremyFilosa) June 8, 2024
– A fine performance on his part.
The former Blue Jays scored teammates Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman. https://t.co/I7aOTjr4rU
– Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) June 8, 2024