Blue Jackets’ Lindstrom Has Options at the NCAA Level

If Lindstrom were to make the jump to the NCAA, there are quite a few destinations that could make sense for his development. 

Ohio State Buckeyes

Given the fact that Lindstrom’s going to be headed to Columbus in the relatively near future regardless of where he goes to college, it would be wise for him to consider learning the city before he turns professional. As the only university mentioned by name in Portzline’s article, Ohio State University is undoubtedly one of the most logical destinations for Lindstrom. He’d get the opportunity to adapt to the city of Columbus, which would ultimately make the transition to the professional game a little easier.

Lindstrom would be able to have in-person meetings with the Blue Jackets organization more regularly, and the team staff would be able to keep an eye on him. Plus, he’d likely get the opportunity to bond with some of his future teammates on a regular basis. It’s not a luxury that many players have been able to experience, but with the new rules surrounding the NCAA and the CHL, Lindstrom could be the first of many players to go down that path. 

The Buckeyes are a strong team, currently ranked sixth in the NCAA with a 20-8-2 record in the Big Ten. Historically, though, they haven’t been the most successful program. They’ve only made it to the Frozen Four twice in the team’s history, most recently in 2018. 

Michigan Wolverines

Now, it would be ironic for a member of the Blue Jackets organization to willingly sign with the University of Michigan after being drafted. However, the Blue Jackets have had quite a bit of talent come through their pipeline in recent years. Current head coach Brandon Naurato took over on an interim basis during the 2022-23 season, before being promoted to the permanent bench boss in Ann Arbor. Naurato coached current Blue Jackets Adam Fantilli and Gavin Brindley in his first season leading the program. That’s not his only experience with a member of the Blue Jackets though. In 2021-22, he was an assistant coach when Kent Johnson was a Wolverine.

While another Blue Jacket heading to the widely hated University of Michigan would be disappointing for many in Columbus, it could be one of the smartest moves for Lindstrom’s development. 

Boston College/Boston University

The arguments for both Boston College and Boston University are similar, so I figured it’s more logical to include them together as much as fans of either team would undoubtedly hate the decision to be lumped with their biggest rival. Both are historic programs in one of the most competitive conferences in the NCAA, Hockey East. Five of the top ten teams in the NCAA are in the Hockey East, with Boston College at the top of the standings and Boston University ranked seventh. 

If the goal is to get Lindstrom playing in as many meaningful games as possible at the collegiate level, either school would give him that opportunity on an almost nightly basis. Both programs have five national championships and are consistently producing top prospects, who adjust to the NHL very quickly. 

If Lindstrom does in fact make the jump to the NCAA, there are quite a few options for him. As a fourth-overall pick in the NHL, he’ll be able to have his pick of the litter. Each school would have their benefits and issues for Lindstrom, but it would be hard for him to make a wrong decision.